Today, May 20, under the leadership of President and Commander-in-Chief of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, a meeting of the National Security Council took place at the Riga Castle, reported bb.lv from the president's office.
The National Security Council assessed the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles in Latvian airspace.
The Council heard the conclusions and analysis from the Commander of the National Armed Forces, Major General Kaspars Pužs, as well as the Chief of the State Fire and Rescue Service, General Mārtiņš Baltmanis, the Chief of the State Police, General Armands Ruks, and the Head of the Crisis Management Center, Colonel Arvis Zīle, regarding the incidents that have occurred so far and the widespread warnings across the extensive territory of Latvia.
After listening to the generals and the colonel, it was decided to improve cooperation between civilian and military entities to ensure operational information exchange and public awareness in case of threats.
At the same time, the Council urged civil protection commissions of municipalities and responsible institutions from various sectors to develop appropriate recommendations for actions in situations of threats in the airspace.
The Council expressed gratitude to NATO allies for the fighter jets sent, as well as for the personnel and military equipment dispatched for the "Baltic Sentry" and "Eastern Sentry" exercises.
The Council also acknowledged that the recurrence of foreign drone flights is possible in the future.
Separately, the National Security Council categorically rejected Russia's statements that Latvia allegedly opened its airspace to Ukrainian drones for strikes against Russia. These statements from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service were described as absurd and false.
Why is Russia doing this? The answer was also provided at the Riga Castle: firstly, to reduce support for Ukraine, and secondly, to create a sense of uncertainty and instability among the citizens of Latvia.
In conclusion, the National Security Council promised to respond adequately and firmly to any provocations or attempts by Russia to destabilize the situation in Latvia.
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