Russia Accuses Latvia of Provocation Over Drone Factory Plans Near Border
Russia's Foreign Ministry claims Latvia's plan to build a drone factory near the Russian border together with Ukraine is a provocation. Latvia's Prime Minister Kulbergs stated the factory is part of a defense cooperation agreement with Ukraine and aims to boost economic activity in the border region.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told RIA Novosti that Latvia's plans to build a drone manufacturing plant near the Russian border together with Ukraine are provocative. He said such action fits into the Baltic states' 'hostile policy' against Russia. Galuzin also claimed that Moscow has verified data that Latvia and other Baltic countries have provided air corridors for Ukrainian drones that attacked Russia's civilian infrastructure. He made these allegations while commenting on regular fires at oil facilities in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.
Meanwhile, Latvian Prime Minister Kulbergs explained that the agreement with Ukraine on defense cooperation includes co-production. He emphasized that Latvia will remove political barriers and create 'green corridors' to allow the drone factory to be located near the border. Kulbergs noted that the Latgale region needs economic activity, investment, and jobs, and expressed hope that the foundation stone for the factory would be laid this year.
