Latvian Saeima Rejects Creation of Cooperation Groups with Belarusian and Russian Parliaments

Reform.news Editorial Team · 4 November 2026, 10:48

https://reform.news/en/latvian-saeima-rejects-creation-of-cooperation-groups-with-belarusian-and-russian-parliaments/

Latvia’s 15th Saeima has decided not to establish parliamentary groups to develop cooperation with the parliaments of Belarus and Russia. The decision was adopted at an extraordinary session on November 3, the parliament’s press service said.

The refusal applies to the current parliamentary term. The Saeima said the decision reaffirmed Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine and solidarity with its people.

The resolution states that Russia’s invasion violates Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Belarus, by providing its territory for the aggression, has also breached its international obligations.

The Saeima said that establishing a cooperation group with the Belarusian parliament would be incompatible with international law and democratic values until Belarus ceases its violations of international law against Ukraine and fully compensates the country for the damage caused.

In the case of Russia, the resolution also sets out requirements for the withdrawal of its troops from Ukraine and the full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Another reason cited for refusing cooperation is the EU and US sanctions imposed on a significant number of members of Russia’s State Duma and Belarus’ National Assembly. The resolution refers to their support for the occupation and annexation of Ukrainian territories, repression, human rights violations and the Belarusian regime’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine.