Latvian Foreign Minister Confirms Consulate Hit in Ukraine
Poinews.com – Latvian foreign minister confirms consulate in Ukraine was targeted by a devastating Russian strike that claimed multiple lives. Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braze publicly acknowledged the attack on Friday, expressing deep concern over the incident that struck the Baltic nation’s honorary consulate in Sloviansk. The powerful explosion killed at least six Ukrainian civilians and left dozens of others injured. In a statement shared through digital channels, Braze revealed she had immediately informed NATO and EU ministers, along with several international organizations, about the severity of the situation.
“Russia can destroy buildings, not Ukraine’s will and Latvia’s support.”
The assault occurred in the Donbas region, according to coverage from Latvian public broadcaster LTV Zinu dienests. Oleksandr Pavenko, who holds the position of Latvia’s Honorary Consul, survived the incident without injuries. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics strongly condemned the strike, calling it a war crime committed by Moscow against diplomatic premises. The president emphasized that such attacks on consular facilities represent violations of international norms and deserve serious attention from the global community.
“Latvia stands with Ukraine. We will continue to support the work of our honorary consul, Oleksandr Pavenko, and all those who remain on the front lines helping their people,”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that guided aerial bombs caused the deaths of half a dozen civilians on Friday. He noted that additional people suffered injuries in the blast. Zelenskyy explained in an online message that the strike damaged vehicles, the consulate building, and nearby residential properties. The president stressed the importance of international cooperation in protecting civilian populations from such attacks.
“It is important that our partners fully understand that protecting lives also depends on them. Interceptors for Patriot systems are the number one priority,”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the incident as another clear example of Moscow’s “blatant violation of international law.” He pointed out Russia’s failure to protect both civilian zones and consular buildings. Sybiha urged stronger international responses to prevent similar incidents in the future. The foreign minister highlighted that diplomatic missions should be considered safe zones under international agreements.
European Leaders Unite in Condemnation
Senior EU officials have shown solidarity with Latvia and Ukraine following the tragic event. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered condolences to grieving families while noting that the assault on Latvia’s diplomatic mission revealed Russia’s “complete disregard for diplomacy.” She stressed that European nations must remain united in their support for Ukraine during this difficult period.
“Russia is losing the war it started, and is increasingly targeting civilians in a desperate attempt to crush Ukraine’s spirit. But Ukraine’s spirit is unbreakable. And so is Europe’s resolve to support Ukraine’s defence,”
European Council President António Costa also condemned the attack, calling the strike on Sloviansk and the consulate a “grave and unacceptable act.” He expressed strong disapproval of the violence that resulted in numerous casualties. Costa emphasized that such attacks undermine international stability and must be addressed through coordinated diplomatic efforts.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys criticized Moscow’s behavior toward Ukrainian citizens and Latvia’s political institutions. He stated that these actions would not “break the courage, resilience, and determination of the Ukrainian people, nor the resolve of those who stand with Ukraine.” Budrys called for continued international pressure on Russia to cease its aggressive campaigns.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the incident as a “deliberate attack” aimed at both European diplomatic missions and Ukrainian residents. He pledged that “these attacks will not go unanswered. Pressure will intensify, and support for Ukraine will not waver.” Tsahkna highlighted the importance of maintaining strong alliances during times of conflict.
This event brings to mind a previous occurrence in August of last year when Russian bombardments “severely damaged” the European Union’s diplomatic offices in Kyiv. During that incident, Ursula von der Leyen expressed being “outraged” by the assault, which killed at least seventeen Ukrainian civilians. The recurrence of such attacks demonstrates the ongoing challenges faced by diplomatic missions in conflict zones.
