Latvia’s foreign minister is warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin will try to achieve in peace talks what he hasn’t been able to accomplish in his war against Ukraine — weaken the United States and restore control over his smaller neighbor.

Moscow’s forces are three miles from Dnipropetrovsk, a province they have never invaded. If they cross in, the advance would be a morale blow to Ukraine and complicate any territorial negotiations.

Folks gathered at Saint Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Rochester to commemorate the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Reverend Philip Weiner led a prayer service for peace where the congregation prayed for a solution to the conflict in the Eastern European country.