Latvian Defence Minister Resigns After Drone Attack
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- Andris Spruds resigned as Latvian Defence Minister on Sunday after two Ukrainian drones hit oil storage facilities in Rezekne.
- Evika Silina demanded Spruds' resignation, citing the failure to deploy anti‑drone systems quickly enough, and appointed Colonel Raivis Melnis as his successor.
- Latvia and Lithuania jointly called on NATO to strengthen air defences in the region after the drone incidents.
- Andrii Sybiha said the drones were Ukrainian and were diverted into Latvia by Russian electronic warfare.
- Ukraine is considering sending security experts to the Baltic states to help improve air‑security measures.
Why it matters: Latvia loses its defence chief and faces criticism for delayed anti‑drone deployment, while NATO faces pressure to accelerate air‑defence upgrades in the Baltics; Ukraine’s pledge to send security experts could reshape regional defence cooperation and may prompt the Baltic states to tighten their own drone‑interception capabilities.
