Latvia cautions against giving in to 'Russian blackmail' over Ukraine

Latvia has rejected comments made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about the danger of escalating the war in Ukraine.

"If Russia threatens the third World War, then it is a clear sign that Ukraine is succeeding," Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics tweeted.

"We should not give in to Russian blackmail, but double down our support to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia." Only firm and consistent action would restore international law and order, Latvia's chief diplomat said.

Lavrov had earlier raised the danger of World War III breaking out as a result of the conflict in Ukraine. "The danger is serious, it is real, it should not be underestimated," Lavrov said in an interview on Russian television on Monday.