A French military aircraft shot down a Russian drone that violated Latvia's airspace, prompting an air raid alert in eastern regions.
French warplanes scrambled 11 times in a week for NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission, intercepting Russian military aircraft. France cited this as unusual "provocations" possibly aimed at "flexing muscles" during Russia's St. Petersburg Economic Forum.
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs plans to sever trade ties with Russia, though he admits exceptions will be necessary for certain industries like pharmaceuticals. His government was approved on May 8.
Belarus's UN envoy Larisa Belskaya stated that threats of aggression against Belarus are increasing, citing rising NATO military spending and defense initiatives by neighboring countries. She highlighted concerns over missile defense systems, potential deployment of nuclear weapons, and the critical need for dialogue among nuclear states.
Three Latvian climbers died and one was rescued in critical condition after falling near Denali Pass on Denali (Mount McKinley) during an ascent on the West Buttress route.
Centrist lawmaker Andris Kulbergs announced plans to form a new coalition government in Latvia, following the collapse of the previous administration due to backlash over stray Ukrainian drones hitting oil facilities. President Edgard Rinkevics has approved the coalition talks.
Great Britain has been relegated from the top division of the World Championship after a decisive 6-0 defeat against Latvia in Zurich. Despite a strong start, GB failed to convert chances, while Latvia secured their win with goals from Dzierkals, Smirnovs, Balcers, Tralmaks, Egle, and Krastenbergs.
Sergey Vasiliev, coordinator of the "Anti-fascists of the Baltics" movement, stated that residents of Latvia have nowhere to hide from Ukrainian drones. This statement follows Russia's UN representative's warning that Ukraine plans to launch drones from Baltic states, and that NATO membership won't protect them from Moscow's response.
Assistant to the Russian President, Vladimir Medinsky, called representatives of Denmark and Latvia at the UN "degenerates" on his Telegram channel after their remarks regarding the Ukrainian Armed Forces' strike on a college in the LPR.
A drone crashed and exploded in Lake Drezis in Latvia's Kraslava district on Saturday morning. No one was injured. Investigators found wreckage, and authorities are on site. This follows an increase in similar incidents in the Baltic states.
An unidentified drone crashed and exploded in Lake Dricis, Latvia. Police are investigating the incident, with possible drone parts found at the scene. No injuries were reported.
Russia's President Putin blamed Ukraine for a deadly drone attack in Luhansk, vowing retaliation. Ukraine denied the claims, stating it targeted Russian military assets. Meanwhile, Czech President Pavel urged NATO to respond assertively to Russian provocations.
Latvian residents are expressing strong anger towards their government due to Ukrainian drones falling within the country. Social media posts show widespread criticism directed at officials, particularly the prime minister and defense minister, for failing to ensure national security.
Latvians are expressing strong anger towards their government, using profanity in social media comments, due to Ukrainian drones falling within the country. Residents criticize the government for failing to ensure national security.
GLOBSEC forum in Prague discusses growing drone incursions in Baltics, questions over US commitment to European security ahead of NATO summit in Ankara, and changes in Ukraine war. Interviews with Finland's Defense Ministry permanent secretary and Serbia's speaker of parliament.
Russia's Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Dmitry Polyansky, stated that NATO military activities near Russia's borders have reached Cold War levels, citing concerns over escalating "madness and Russophobic frenzy" and Ukraine's potential use of Baltic territory for sabotage.
Latvia's military confirmed a drone in its airspace, activating NATO aircraft. This incident follows a similar incursion that led to the collapse of Latvia's government and comes amid increased Ukrainian drone activity targeting Russian energy infrastructure.
Ex-Ukrainian army officers are training NATO troops in Latvia on drone usage. The exercise, however, is noted to differ from the intense drone warfare seen in eastern Ukraine.
Latvia's Foreign Ministry summoned Russia's acting charge d'affaires to protest claims by Russia's SVR that Ukrainian military drone units arrived in Latvia, calling the accusations false.
Over 500 Ukrainian drones attacked Russia overnight, killing three near Moscow. Romania found an unexploded projectile. The US let a sanctions waiver for Russian oil purchases lapse, impacting India.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has nominated opposition lawmaker Andris Kulbergs to be the next Prime Minister, following the resignation of Evika Silina after Ukrainian drones entered Latvian airspace.
Latvia faces political upheaval after PM Evika Silina resigned amid a drone incident, exposing coalition fragility and defense doubts. An expert suggests internal factors, not just external interference, drive instability, with a prolonged government crisis possible until October elections.
Latvian PM Silina resigns after her government collapses following the withdrawal of support by the Progressives party, sparked by criticism over the handling of Ukrainian drones straying into Latvian airspace, causing no casualties but highlighting response delays.
Latvian PM Evika Siliņa resigns after left-wing coalition partner Progressives withdraws support following the dismissal of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds over Ukrainian drone incident.
