Latvia Warns Moscow After June 8 Drone Incursion as NATO Backs 5% Defense Push
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Post · Jun 17
Latvia Warns Moscow After June 8 Drone Incursion as NATO Backs 5% Defense Push
3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Post · Jun 17
Summary
Andris Kulbergs used a Brussels meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte to warn Moscow that “there are no jokes with us,” as Latvia sought to signal deterrence on the alliance’s eastern flank.
June 8 drone incidents sharpened that message: NATO said French jets on Baltic Air Policing duty intercepted and destroyed a drone that entered Latvian airspace, which Rutte called evidence of Russia’s dangerous and reckless actions.
Fourteen NATO allies are now training and operating in Latvia, while allied troops and aircraft remain deployed across the Baltic region under NATO reassurance and air-policing missions.
Rutte also highlighted Latvia’s broader role ahead of NATO’s July summit in Ankara, saying its core defense spending is nearing 5% of GDP and noting Riga’s drone support for Ukraine, including a June 8 cooperation deal with Kyiv.