The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service has accused Latvia of allowing Ukraine to launch drone strikes from its territory, while Latvian officials denounce the claims as a baseless disinformation campaign.
Kremlin Allegations Against Latvia
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused Latvia of facilitating Ukrainian drone attacks against Russian targets. Moscow claims that Kyiv convinced Riga to permit these operations despite fears of retaliation, alleging that Ukrainian drone personnel are currently stationed at several Latvian military bases, including Adazi, Selija, and Lielvarde.
In a statement released on Tuesday, May 19, the SVR labeled the Ukrainian government a “regime” and declared that Latvia’s membership in NATO would not protect it from what it termed “just retribution.”
Latvian Denials and Disinformation Concerns
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze rejected the accusations on social media, stating that Russia is once again spreading lies. Braze confirmed that Latvia does not provide its airspace for attacks on Russia, noting that this position has been clarified to Russian representatives multiple times.
This follows a joint statement from the foreign ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania issued in April, which condemned similar Russian disinformation campaigns as completely unfounded and categorically denied allowing their territories to be used for drone strikes.
Military Activity Over Latvian Airspace
On Tuesday, May 19, the Latvian Armed Forces reported a potential threat in the airspace near the towns of Kraslava, Preili, Ludza, and Rezekne, prompting the scrambling of fighter jets. The military confirmed that it is continuously monitoring the border alongside NATO allies.
The Latvian military emphasized that it has strengthened air defense capabilities on its eastern border. Officials stated that given the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the possibility of foreign unmanned aerial vehicles entering or approaching Latvian airspace remains a persistent concern.