Moscow announced that Ukraine is preparing strikes on Russia from the territory of Latvia
On May 19, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service issued a statement claiming that Ukraine allegedly plans to use Latvian territory to launch drones against Russian targets. Moscow also warned of possible “retaliation” should such scenarios unfold. Meanwhile, neither Latvia nor Ukraine has publicly commented on these allegations.
This was reported by Russian propaganda media.
“Kyiv does not intend to limit itself to using the air corridors provided by the Baltic states to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Drones are also planned to be launched from the territory of these countries. The calculation is based on the fact that such tactics will significantly reduce the flight time to targets and increase the effectiveness of terrorist attacks,” the SVR statement reads.
“Despite Latvian concerns about becoming a victim of a retaliatory strike by Moscow,” the statement claims, “the Kyiv authorities have convinced Riga to give its consent to the operation.” According to the press release, servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces have allegedly already been sent to Latvia and are stationed at the Latvian military bases “Ādaži,” “Sēlija,” “Lielvārde,” “Daugavpils,” and “Jēkabpils.”
The Foreign Intelligence Service stated that “the coordinates of decision-making centers in Latvia are known,” and that the country’s NATO membership will not protect it from “just retribution.”
Neither Latvia nor Ukraine has yet commented on these claims. Earlier, Moscow had accused the Baltic states, including Latvia, of allegedly allowing Ukrainian drones to fly over their territory to strike targets in Russia. Latvia and other countries have categorically denied this, noting that the recent appearance of Ukrainian drones in their airspace has occurred without their consent.
A political crisis erupted in Latvia after two Ukrainian drones crashed on May 7 within the country’s territory, specifically at an oil depot in Rēzekne. Following criticism from Prime Minister Evika Silina, Defense Minister Andris Spruds, who represented the junior partner in the ruling coalition—the “Progressives” party—resigned. Following this, the government collapsed, and Prime Minister Silina herself resigned. On May 17, another drone entered Latvian airspace.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated at the time that the drones may have entered Latvian airspace due to the operation of Russian electronic warfare systems. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga assured the Latvian side of Ukraine’s readiness to cooperate with the Baltic states and Finland to prevent similar incidents in the future. In particular, it was proposed to send Ukrainian specialists to these countries.
As a reminder, Latvia plans to completely suspend bus service with Russia and Belarus — Delfi
Latvia handed Russia a note of protest over drones that flew into the country’s territory
Latvia acknowledged the failure of its drone detection systems following the crash of Russian UAVs
