Latvian president calls for more pressure on Russia
The president of Latvia, a Baltic state neighboring Russia, has said it is necessary to look at introducing more sanctions on Russia to push it to engage in serious negotiations over a ceasefire with Ukraine.
President Edgars Rinkevics spoke to NHK in Tokyo on Monday. He visited Japan for the World Expo in Osaka.
Rinkevics referred to Friday's direct talks between Russia and Ukraine that were held for the first time in about three years.
He harshly criticized Russia, saying he sees no inclination on the Russian side for a ceasefire or to negotiate in a serious manner.
Rinkevics said the only way to push Russia to negotiate seriously and agree on an unconditional ceasefire is "simply putting more political and economic pressure."
He also touched on phone talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that are scheduled for Monday.
Rinkevics expressed hope that Trump will be able to convince Putin to sit at the negotiation table and agree on an unconditional ceasefire. But he added that it remains to be seen how the phone call will develop.
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