Braže: Russia's hybrid threats are part of its war doctrine; NATO must respond collectively

At the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže (JV) highlighted the nature of Russia's hybrid threats, emphasizing that such attacks as cyber threats, information operations, sabotage, and illegal migration are part of Russia's war doctrine. She stressed that the initial response to these threats is the national responsibility of member states, but close cooperation within NATO is essential.

Braže, participating in a discussion on hybrid threats, said that allies need a common understanding of these challenges, as well as intelligence sharing and cooperation between security services, law enforcement, and experts. She noted that Latvia would benefit from a greater presence of allied border guards on its border to assess the situation and learn.

The minister pointed out that Russia's information operations aim to reduce support for Ukraine, for example, by questioning the allocation of funds from pensions to Ukraine. In Latvia's case, Russia uses migrant pressure on the border to create a sense of threat and test Latvia's ability to respond.

Braže also noted that European conventional defense is increasingly becoming the responsibility of European states, as in 2020, 80% of NATO defense budgets came from non-EU countries, but now European states and Canada have significantly increased their defense spending. However, the US remains in Europe, and Europe must continue to enhance its capabilities.

President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) agreed before the summit on three Latvian priorities: alliance unity, support for Ukraine, and NATO capability development. Rinkēvičs stated that member states have committed to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, and that defense industry and anti-drone capabilities must be developed. He mentioned the Latvia-Ukraine agreement on comprehensive defense cooperation, which will allow Latvia to adopt Ukraine's experience in countering drones.