American Thought Leaders Future of European Security and Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts: Latvia Foreign Minister Baiba Braze
Dec 12, 2025
Baiba Braže, Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, is a champion of Baltic security and transatlantic cooperation. She shares insights on Latvia's strong defense spending, aiming for 5% of GDP, and its geographical importance against Russian expansion. Braže discusses the need for a Ukrainian-led peace deal and the vital role of increased pressure on Russia. She also outlines Latvia's shift to U.S. energy sources and emphasizes the importance of NATO’s collective security while addressing broader global priorities.
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US Strategy Urges European Responsibility
- Baiba Braže sees the U.S. national security strategy as a coherent document that pushes Europe to take more responsibility.
- She argues closer EU–U.S. cooperation on tech and regulation is needed to remain globally competitive.
Deterrence Requires Capabilities And Will
- Latvia prioritizes defense because deterrence requires real capabilities plus political will and strategic communications.
- Braže emphasizes that talking without capabilities fails to establish credible deterrence.
How US Support Sustained Latvian Independence
- Baiba Braže recounts Latvia's occupation by the Soviet Union from 1940 and how U.S. nonrecognition kept hope alive.
- She credits Radio Free Europe and American support for sustaining Latvian resistance and eventual independence.