The President of Latvia called on NATO to step up its support for Ukraine despite intimidation by Russia

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs called on NATO countries to continue supporting Ukraine and not to allow Russia to achieve its goals through intimidation. 

According to the Latvian leader, Ukraine’s victory directly affects the security of the entire Alliance, especially the countries of the Baltic region.

“If Ukraine wins, we will all be safer. If Ukraine faces problems, then neither NATO nor, in particular, the Baltic region will be as safe,” Rinkēvičs emphasized.

The Latvian president noted that he does not currently expect a scenario of a full-scale military invasion similar to the one Russia launched against Ukraine. At the same time, he stressed that the country is constantly under pressure from hybrid threats.

“But we are under constant hybrid attack. And it is important to remind the world that we need to address our vulnerabilities: air defense and anti-drone protection. As for hybrid attacks, we must be prepared,” he said.

Rinkēvičs stressed that Moscow is trying to sow fear among NATO countries, but the allies must demonstrate unity and readiness for collective defense.

“Russia likes it when we’re scared. And when we talk about any threats to the eastern flank, it’s important to show that NATO has our back. And if we say there will be an attack, then we must say that we will fight back. Latvia will fight, our neighbors will fight, and the entire Alliance will fight,” the Latvian president emphasized.

He also expressed hope that the NATO summit would adopt the decisions necessary to continue supporting Ukraine, as well as to strengthen the Alliance’s eastern flank’s defense capabilities.

He made this statement before the start of the leaders’ meeting at the NATO summit in Ankara.

In addition, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a leaders’ dinner on the eve of the NATO summit in Ankara. The Polish leader emphasized that, despite existing bilateral disagreements, dialogue between the countries must continue due to the common threat posed by Russia.