Latvian president urges NATO allies not to give in to Russian intimidation and to show unity

Ahead of the leaders' meeting at the NATO summit in Ankara, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has called on NATO allies to maintain their support for Ukraine and not give in to Russian intimidation.

Source: European Pravda

Details: Rinkēvičs said he hopes the NATO summit will produce decisions needed to strengthen support for Ukraine.

He says Ukraine's victory will make everyone safer. Rinkēvičs adds that if Ukraine struggles, NATO – particularly the Baltic region – will become less secure.

Speaking about the threats facing Latvia, he says he does not expect a military attack similar to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Rinkēvičs says Latvia is constantly targeted by hybrid attacks and emphasises the importance of addressing vulnerabilities, particularly in air defence and counter-drone capabilities. He adds that countries must be ready to respond to hybrid attacks.

He says Russia thrives on fear and stresses the importance of showing that NATO stands behind its members whenever threats to the Alliance's eastern flank are discussed. He adds that if there is talk of a possible attack, it should be made clear that Latvia, its neighbours and the entire Alliance would fight.

Background:

• Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže also said she does not believe Russia is prepared to attack any NATO member, but expects Moscow to continue attempts to destabilise the Alliance.
• NATO officials said ahead of the summit that although Russia remains a long-term threat to the Alliance, it is not expected to attack NATO in the short term.

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