Defence Minister: No Direct Military Invasion Threat to Latvia

Latvia's Defence Minister Raivis Melnis told Latvian Radio's "Labrīt" programme that the level of conventional military threat facing Latvia has not changed, and the country still faces no direct threat of military invasion.

The minister was responding to warnings from senior European officials about a possible escalation of Russian aggression following the recent State Duma "elections" in Russia. Melnis acknowledged that hybrid attacks initiated by the Kremlin could intensify, but stressed this does not indicate a direct invasion threat to Latvia.

Context

The minister's comments come as several European countries are closely monitoring the security situation in the region and warning of possible increased Russian activity following domestic political events in Russia. While offering a reassuring assessment of direct military threats, Melnis did not rule out an increase in hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks or disinformation campaigns.