Latvia’s president, Edgars Rinkēvičs, has issued a warning that Russia is planning for a protracted war in Ukraine and urges countries to maintain their military support to Kyiv. Rinkēvičs asserts that it is crucial to continue fighting for international peace as stopping Russia in Ukraine would prevent future threats to other nations. He also highlights Russia’s Wagner mercenary group’s disruptive role in Africa and Russian engagements with Hamas officials. The Latvian president stresses the importance of supporting Ukraine and Israel against attacks on shared values and the international order. Rinkēvičs emphasizes the necessity of humanitarian pauses in Gaza to assist Palestinian civilians. He reveals Iran’s contentment with developments in the Middle East and mentions Iran’s provision of arms to Russia for its conflict in Ukraine. Rinkēvičs emphasizes that NATO’s security interests should consider both Ukraine and the Middle East equally to maintain peace. He commends the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers and calls for a response to President Zelenskyy’s request for additional weaponry, noting that the West has not provided adequate support thus far. Rinkēvičs warns that Russia is mobilizing its economy, resources, and military machinery for a prolonged war, intending to undermine and strangle Ukraine. He predicts Russia will target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, as it did during the previous winter. The president underscores the EU and NATO’s need to prepare for an extended conflict in Ukraine, suggesting an increase in defense spending and enhanced defense industrial production in Europe. Rinkēvičs emphasizes the significance of thwarting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aspirations to outlast Western support for Ukraine in a drawn-out war. He warns that if Europe and the United States fail to assist Ukraine adequately, pressure on Israel will escalate, with Iran becoming more assertive. Rinkēvičs observes that Russia is transitioning from autocracy to a totalitarian regime characterized by propaganda surpassing the intensity of the Cold War. He points out the dissemination of brutal images and videos depicting the destruction of cities in Europe and the United States, including the use of nuclear weapons. Rinkēvičs notes that Russians depict Ukrainians as an inferior human race, comparable to Nazi Germany’s denigration of Jews. In addition to his political stance, Rinkēvičs is notable as one of Europe’s few LGBTQ+ heads of state. He expresses hope that acceptance of a gay head of state will foster greater inclusivity and openness throughout society.