Latvian President Links Drone Incidents in Latgale to Russian Aggression
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has attributed recent drone incidents in the Latgale region to Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. The statement followed early Thursday morning incursions where several unmanned aerial vehicles entered Latvian airspace from Russia, with at least one crashing in Rezekne and damaging an oil storage facility. President Rinkevics contacted local officials, including Rezekne Mayor Janis Tutinas, to thank them for their response and urged residents to follow safety instructions from relevant authorities. The State Fire and Rescue Service issued cell broadcast notifications to residents in Ludza, Balvi, and Rezekne. Defense Minister Andris Spruds confirmed that the Latvian National Armed Forces, supported by NATO allies, maintained maximum control over the airspace, with fighter jets deployed. Eyewitnesses reported seeing drones and hearing noises resembling fighter jets even after sunrise. The National Armed Forces warned that the risk of similar incidents remains high as long as the conflict in Ukraine continues, highlighting the spillover effects of the war on neighboring Baltic states.
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Latvian President Links Drone Incidents in Latgale to Russian Aggression
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has attributed recent drone incidents in the Latgale region to Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. The statement followed early Thursday morning incursions where several unmanned aerial vehicles entered Latvian airspace from Russia, with at least one crashing in Rezekne and damaging an oil storage facility. President Rinkevics contacted local officials, including Rezekne Mayor Janis Tutinas, to thank them for their response and urged residents to follow safety instructions from relevant authorities. The State Fire and Rescue Service issued cell broadcast notifications to residents in Ludza, Balvi, and Rezekne. Defense Minister Andris Spruds confirmed that the Latvian National Armed Forces, supported by NATO allies, maintained maximum control over the airspace, with fighter jets deployed. Eyewitnesses reported seeing drones and hearing noises resembling fighter jets even after sunrise. The National Armed Forces warned that the risk of similar incidents remains high as long as the conflict in Ukraine continues, highlighting the spillover effects of the war on neighboring Baltic states.
The Baltic Times