Latvia to hand over dismantled TPP to Ukraine to restore power grid

Latvia is preparing a large-scale assistance package for the Ukrainian energy sector, including the transfer of an entire thermal power plant. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže has stated this on the eve of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Urinform reports.

The head of the ministry emphasized that Riga is looking for the most practical ways to support Ukraine amid constant attacks on infrastructure.

"We have just provided another energy support package and are preparing another one, including literally moving a dismantled thermal power plant in Latvia that we no longer need," Braže said.

In addition to technical assistance, Latvia is focusing on strengthening its air defense and supplying American weapons. The minister emphasized that the country has already made new commitments under the PURL initiative.

"We have just announced another commitment under the PURL for American weapons, which are the most effective against Russian missiles," she said.

Baiba Braže also praised the solidarity of Latvian society, where both state TV channels and the private sector and NGOs are collecting aid.

"Latvian public television is conducting a very broad public campaign to collect donations and bring the necessary information to people. Private TV channels, non-governmental organizations, businesses are doing the same, so it concerns all of us. This is what we are doing, and we will continue to do it," the diplomat assured.

Latvia's political position remains tough in terms of sanctions pressure on the aggressor. According to Braže, since russia has no success on the battlefield, it should not gain any advantages in the political sphere.

"Tomorrow we enter the fifth year of the war. And there is no more important discussion than today. Decisions must be made, so we are fully committed to the 20th package of sanctions - a strong package that will include a ban on maritime services - as well as to political, economic and military commitments to support the European values of freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, so Russia's war must end in a just and lasting peace," the Latvian Foreign Minister summarized.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, within the framework of the International Energy Agency meeting, Ukraine agreed with partners on more than EUR 600 million for energy and receiving decommissioned equipment from 6 European CHPPs and TPPs for Ukrainian power plants.