It is so typical of Western Europe to say "oh we didn't see that coming" and "we must never let it happen like this again". We should listen to our Baltic friends, they, if any, know what Ukraine and the rest of Europe need to do to secure our future. Right now, Ukraine is paying the highest price for its survival and for our safety, now we must all give everything we can to help them. It is our damned duty. Do your duty and earn your rights. We simply have to stop seeing the world as we wish it to be and start seeing it for what it is. Greetings from Sweden

".... If we are strong, our strength will speak for itself. If we are weak, words will be of no help." - Words prepared for President Kennedy at the Dallas Trade Mart on the 22 November, 1963.

Very clear from Latvia, best explaination on Euro security i have ever heard. Bravo Mr foreign minister, we need more like you. Slava Ukranii.

What a wonderful sensible man representing his country people!

Krišjānis Kariņs seems both wise and clear-sighted, and very sensible in repsonding to critical questions. Latvia has a good foregin minsiter in that man. DW News, thank you for this thought-provoking interview.

Love all the questions Tim asked, but these questions should be asked to NATO secretary general

I like the minister's glass-half-full attitude. That's so refreshing from a Grrman's perspective.

Western Europe remains asleep. Eastern Europe and the nordic countries remain awake and alert. Germany couldnt even produce the promised artillery shells

Excellent response from Latvia. Inspiring to see these young democracies so fiercely defending their recent freedoms. Not impressed with the interviewer.

I think the interviewer had some provocative and unnecessary questions, but the Latvian foreign minister handled it very well. Greetings from Sweden

Europe wake up and step up.

The Latvians are clear eyes.

00:06 Latvian Foreign Minister highlights NATO's need to step up against Russia's expansion 02:58 Russia's aggression requires increased investment in defense 05:54 Latvia emphasizes the need for NATO to be on a war footing against Russia. 08:41 West needs to increase defense spending to support Ukraine 11:24 European sense of urgency increasing for Ukraine assistance 14:18 Ukraine can win this war 17:08 NATO's goal is to prevent war through deterrence and collective power. 19:40 NATO needs to increase spending and defense industry for seriousness towards Putin. 22:13 Latvia requires Russian citizens to learn Latvian language for permanent residency 24:56 Latvia's strong stance against Russia's aggression

Thank you very much for the video from Odesa, Ukraine

The foreign minster is being grilled quite hard - and he has good responses

Strategic ambiguity is key when dealing with Putin. We must stop broadcasting to the world what we will or will not do regarding Russian aggression.

I'm readings comments and as a latvian I'm proud to see all the good things a lot of you are saying. Also as a latvian I'm concern about our future.

Good interview, the Latvian minister knew how to deliver.

What a lucid, articulate and informed gentleman the guest is. He really brings home that it's the frontier countries that are really in the know. The responsibility of the countries to the west is to listen.

wouw - really impressive answers by foreign minister Kariņš!

Conflict Zone is one of the best DWs shows besides their excellent docus!👏👍 I would strongly recommend for everybody to add to it BBCs World Service Hardtalk series which r very similar. Both Tim Sebastian and Stephen Sackur r so far the BEST journalists/hosts in these kind of shows I've seen/heard so far - excellent job done only by real pros!

A very eloquently spoken man this foreign minister is.

Just commenting for the algorithm from Czechia, because Krišjānis Kariņš is always worth listening to. Especially because he speaks clearly, frankly and in an easy-to-understand way. He should give lessons on speaking to some politicians. He should also be the Secratary General of NATO, but that´s probably not happening.

What a great person! A politician with a character! His nation is lucky to have him!

In unity there is strength to withstand aggression.

Wow, I wish we (USA) had a FM (or for us, a Secretary of State) who was so direct and clear. Well, we DID (Mike Pompeo). But not any more... Many Kudos to FM Karins (and he's definitely not a "Karen"!)

Stay United Stay Strong NATO

At least one of these gentlemen were very interesting. Thank you minister Karins

Yes all citizens must speak the national language and languages can be considered as cultural heritage. It has become clear that language is now being used to misappropriate the territories of ex Soviet states. All ex Soviet states should protect their unique culture and independence by ridding themselves of Russian artefacts. They are just painful memories of the horrible reign of Stalin.

Have to give it to the minister that he is one of those eternal optimist types, maybe they should try making him captain Europe.

The fact Ukraine has not taken delivery of much aid these past three months yet Russia's full 24/7 war economy is still only able to move slowly is astounding. The resistance of Ukraine is beyond belief. It cannot however last forever without scaling of European assistance and hopefully more American aid packages. This is borrowed time, but what it should demonstrate is that if the West shifts its weight enough to lean on the scales harder than it has before Russia can definitely lose this war. For now it is still up to the West, although the clock is ticking.

Brilliant by the Latvian foreign minister. Amazing English. Really responded well to the questions. Hat's off.

🇱🇻🇪🇺🇺🇦🫡

Italians not wanting to fight…looks like nothing has changed in the 80years since WWII😂

Too true. EU and NATO need to grow up and look to themselves. With or without USA.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Thanks to everyone who support Ukraine! ✌️✊🇺🇦🕊️

Malacis Krišjānis :)

I love how the guy being interviewed handled himself when he was presented with hard questions.

It is super frustrating that are our Allie’s aren’t upholding their responsibility, w/ no consequences

While well informed and prepared, the interviewer was unnecessarily aggressive, I would say hostile and rude, there was no need for that, kudos to the foreign minister of Latvia.

3:90 Two years later, Nato just figured out what they should make sure.

Great interviews always. The man pulls no punches.

this is was the moment of realization

😂CNN has now published an article which finally admits that the Russians currently are producing at least three times more shells than the entire Collective West is doing

Great responses for very cynical questions!

Latvia clearly understands while the rest of the more capable countries clearly don't.

Latvia's Foreign Minister Krišjānis Kariņs did a great job of answering all the questions that were posed (many were excellent, some unfortunately seemed to be intentionally accusatory/inflammatory, and some were ill-informed..).👍I greatly appreciated that fact that Mr. Kariņs provided details/evidence to support his statements, and I appreciated that he immediately dispelled misinformation/Russian narratives that formed the basis of some of the questions. This ensured that the discussion was highly-informative & thought-provoking.👍Thank you! 👍👍 Regarding military assistance from the U.S.A. & Germany: Winning a war is not just about quantity of equipment/weaponry/munitions, but also ensuring that the warring nation has ALL the *capabilities* necessary to carry-out offensive & defensive warfare using advanced military doctrine (e.g. NATO doctrine).🤔Even prior to the 6 month-long blocking of aid for Ukraine by one Republican politician in U.S. Congress (...at the request of Donald Trump...), it had become obvious that the lack of U.S. 300km range ATACMS & German Taurus cruise missiles, plus the lack of F-16s (..or similar aerial weapon platforms..) gravely crippled Ukraine's ability to succeed on a tactical & strategic level...and, to add insult to injury, insufficient quantities of some readily available equipment, weaponry & munitions significantly limited other tactical & strategic capabilities Ukraine has needed & will need. These issues were major factors in Ukraine's struggles during its counter-offensive in 2023. Consequently, I must strongly disagree with Mr. Kariņs' comments re past & current level of support for Ukraine from Germany & the U.S.A..🤔 p.s. Mr. Kariņs also demonstrated an impressive command of the English language!👍It should be noted that the Foreign Minister's grammar & vocabulary is vastly superior to the pro-Putin & treasonous U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump, whose 'native tongue' is supposedly English! 😂

As I see it there are only two possible outcomes of the war: 1. Russia loses and Putin is dethroned/killed/goes missing. Russia and Ukraine can then rebuild afterwards and the world could become a better place - just like it has after WW2. 2. Everyone loses. Russia loses the war and retaliates with nuclear strikes and in return gets obliterated by NATO nuclear powers. There is not a chance that Russia is able to win the war. They failed miserably when they had the advantage of surprise on their side 2 years ago and have been losing since. They are running out of soldiers, ammunition, weapons and technology. It's only a question if Russia will admit defeat or get rid of it's dictator at some point or if it comes to nuclear armageddon.

Excellent leader! I'm wondering if he will come and lead Canada for us??

Oh, if I could also speak Latvian language that would be wonderful.

Hey, greetings to our Latvian 🇱🇻 broliukai from Lithuania 🇱🇹 Proud to have such neighbours who firmly stand with Ukraine 🇺🇦

2 years ago - "russia has ammo for 2 more months of war" .... present time - "we all need to ramp up ammo production and we need to send alot more money to ukraine to TRY to win agains russia"

The more Russian trolls and bots in this comments, the more it’s a sign that the content is dangerous for Russia 😂😊

What a rough interview! Tough questions back to back. Gave no love at all haha. Had the politician rattled visibly and audibly at the end of the interview. I think they both did a very good job.

It was a legitimate question. If Albania was attacked, would the US send troops to defend them ? The questions that Americans ask is, it seems that if a NATO country in Eastern Europe were attacked , NATO members would look to Americans to send a large percentage of the troops needed. When the US sends troops to aid a country whether it be NATO member or not, we are criticized. Then when a country is in need of aid and we seek the help of others, some do and most look the other way.

Tim Sebastian should interview trump. That would be a bloodbath!

All I hear is everyday a new country pledging aid , and yet no delivery . We’re is the aid ?

By the time the people want to spend more on defense it could be too little too late.

Latvian official very wise answers to the difficult security questions Eastern Europe faces. I am glad these discussions are happening on DW

FROM AMERICA--CANT YOU SEE!!!! You must go to FULL MILITARY ALERT. European countries must.must- go to full alert . YOU MUST ALLOCATE BILLIONS AND BILLIONS OF EUROS TO SAVE YOUR COUNTRIES. The USA can help --BUT --YOU , YOU MUST SAVE YOUR OWN LANDS.-----WAKE UP. EUROPE

Answer the question please. The alliance is weak as simple as that. A lot of talking will not stop Russia.

Unfortunately, history has taught Europe nothing. George Orwell's quote applies perfectly: War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength... This will be the end of Europe.

😂😂😂Quite the grouch, isn’t he!?

I wish the USA has more officials like this Latvian minister.

European you must move military into Moldova or you will lose it, and then begins as a downfall

Task & Purpose does a better job at explaining the entire situation in detail including the impacts on the populace, food supply, economics, potential, and strategies.

Good questions and good reactions. It makes really sense, that the show is called "Conflict Zone"

Not a war footing, NATO has just woken up after seeing the russian true imperialist mindset.

Russia has warned about its long range missiles; UK, USA.

France always was all about strategy ambiguity, it has always be part of their defensive stance, including their nuclear deterrant.

For those, who liked how Latvian Foreign minister Karins seemed like a great guy, strict, well spoken and "example" of a foreign minister I can tell you, couple days ago he was dropped. He isn't foreign minister of Latvia anymore. He spoke good, he spoke what others would like to hear. He's dropped because of accusations of spending government money on "personal causes" basically. Taking luxury flights to meetings and stuff. Way more exclusive and luxury than politician is allowed to.

Thanks for the talk, Tim and Mr. Karins ! I think we really have to ramp up the idea amongst NATO nations and Europe that we are very soon going to be at war and get ready for it psychologically! We have to become warriors in our minds, ready to fight and maybe die or be wounded! I don't think that idea has sunk in yet with all the young party goers around Europe! It may come sooner than we think and we have to be prepared materially, but also psychologically and that is essential! Thanks again for the great talk! 🌿

NATO troops need to occupy eastern Ukraine so as to prevent Russian takeover but also free up Ukrainian troops to take back their territories

Win or lose. But the territory is ours.

The Latvian foreign minister was great in this interview. Smart guy, great answers. The interview came across a little hostle and I have no idea why. We're all friends here mate. It would be great if the person being interviewed could finish their answer without constantly being interrupted. Also can someone tell Tim that the 2% amount is a suggestion, not a requirement. Also it's not an amount of money that get's given to NATO and it is piled together. It's the amount spent on a countries military as a percentage of their GDP. I think someone people got confused when Trump started opening his mouth on this.

The Latvian foreign minister has a great sense of humour 😂😂😂 He is adorable

Excellent interview. Right questions were asked and good replies were given.

Only peace agreement, that’s the only way.

I enjoy tims discussions

The real story is we are facing BRICS. We are on the ropes. . BRICS new currency. Trading wit😢hin BRICS could be disaster. For G-7 . We feel the only way to win is going into war. We believe we can't match the competition. I believe that to be a mistake. We have to learn to be competitive. War is not the answer.

“Airdrops are inefficient and dangerous as everyone knows, but the US is doing this because it cannot persuade Israel to allow aid into Gaza by land and in trucks. It is the ultimate sign of weakness and shows the US is unwilling to stand up to Israel.” - Chris Doyle, the director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding

The Latvian minister was very gracious and knowledgable . This interviewer is just rude and callous . Quite grating .

I think there is a chance for Ukraine to win, but If I were to make a bet, I would want 1:10000000 odds, say I bet 10 dollars, and if Ukraine wins I'd get 100 million dollars, that are the odds I give them. Win in this case is the one Ukraine itself has defined, as getting control of all territory it had in 1991.

On arming Ukraine, Albert Einstein: "The definition of insanity is -- doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result."

And what about countries like Spain and Portugal that are spending something like 1.5%? Is there pressure on them to step up?

Valuable brave man representing bravest country defending what MUST be defended . Europe WILL NOT accept humilliation beyond acceptable .

31 County's cannot defeat one single country. That's telling Neto is weak

In all honesty, the point about defence spending is that it should have been done continuously not just ramp up when war is at your porch. So, it is good for the Europeans to spend more, but it is also a shame.

The idea that Latvia requiring foreign nationals to learn the Latvian language to continue living in their country is not fascism, students and foreign nationals coming to Australia for study or work are required to learn to speak English, anyone not identifying as Latvian, not a citizen nor a passport holder who wants to be identified as a Russian must comply with the policy requirements of the land or go to Russia, pretty simple really, I am forever astounded that those persons identifying as Russian living in ex Soviet states after the collapse of the Soviet Union were not required to move to Russia immediately and compensated for the real estate by the various states, this is what Putin is playing on in the Donbas etc claiming to be protecting Russian citizens living in foreign states, nobody forced them to stay, if they want to be Russian go to Russia, very straight forward.

What a fantastic politician. So well spoken and to the point.

Had our NATO allies been spending at their required levels, then they would have the inventory to send to Ukraine. Instead, as it had been for decades, NATO is really the USA. We have shouldered the majority of the burden.

Congratulations to the Latvian Foreign Minister for his optimistic view about Ukraine winning the war against Russia, with the help of NATO´s members, pressing the West to increase aid to Kiew and making sure Russia doesn´t win the war!!!

If Nato knows what's needed, why are they leaving Ukraine handcuffed??? Still no long-range missles....yet it is the number one thing that could make a massive difference.

Excellent interview, just not long enough. Love the commentary about Russian Nationals, seems we have an issue here with "insert any country here" Nationals coming and making a home for themselves here at the cost of our standard of living. I love his openess and honesty about this being an issue there and anywhere else he would be called racist. Need people to stand up here and put an end to it. We now have street signs in Chinese to accomodate those selfish ones who come here and dont bother knowing english first, or learning it, then why come to an anglo country that's English speaking.

I like Conflict Zone style of interviewing not just throwing placating questions, but actually hard tough questions.

NATO must be getting sick and tired of reading many positive comments from ordinary people saying what NATO should be doing. .They must have heard everyone's shouting " DO SOMETHING "!!

“Actions are needed. Words matter but Actions are needed in order to save Ukraine, and actually in order to save an entire civilization, mainly the Western civilization; the Free World. We have to frame this war [Russia-Ukraine war] in that context. This war is Not just a war between Ukraine and Russia. This is the war that criminal Putin waged against Nato; the Western civilization, and actually against Humanity.” - Arseniy Yatsenyuk, former PM of Ukraine

Good questioning. Next time put pressure on Macron and Scholz

Good interview. For a moment there, I was worried the Latvian foreign minister might give a straight answer.