Latvian military officials have launched an investigation after three drones breached airspace during a Ukrainian strike on Russian targets, with one drone damaging an oil storage facility.
Airspace Breach and Damage
General Pudans informed LTV that three drones entered Latvian airspace during a recent Ukrainian attack on Russian targets. Two drones fell, one of which damaged an oil storage tank in Rēzekne, while a third changed course and headed toward Russia. The location of the second drone’s crash site has not yet been determined, and the military does not rule out that more drones may have entered Latvian airspace.
Radar Failures and Defense Upgrades
The military is investigating whether current air defenses on the eastern border are sufficiently effective. Although the army was aware of the threat, with fighter jets patrolling the Baltic space and combat groups on alert, the drones failed to appear on radar. To increase effectiveness, the military is checking its border defense operations and expects to supply units with interceptor drones by the end of the month.
Russian Diplomat Summoned to MFA
In connection with the latest drone incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires in Riga to hand over a protest note. The diplomat was informed that Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine creates security risks across the entire region, according to a Latvian MFA communiqué.
Origin and Investigation
Authorities have not yet confirmed the origin of the drones that fell in the southeastern part of the country. In previous incidents at the turn of April and May, authorities stated that Ukrainian drones targeting Russian port facilities and terminals had lost course and ended their flights in Latvia.
During a conference in Rēzekne, officials stated that all possibilities are being considered during the investigation, including the possibility that Ukrainian drones were intercepted and used by Russia as a form of provocation.
