Russian State Duma MP: Latvia's missing ammunition won't save it
Russian State Duma Defence Committee member Andrei Kolesnik said missing ammunition for Latvia's anti-drone systems would make no difference if Latvia acted against Russia. He previously also threatened that Russia could strike a planned drone factory in Latvia.
Andrei Kolesnik, a member of the Russian State Duma's Defence Committee, commented to the outlet lenta.ru on reports that ammunition previously purchased for Latvia's anti-drone systems had never actually been bought. According to Kolesnik, this detail is irrelevant, since whether or not Latvia has ammunition would make no difference if Latvia took action unfavorable to Russia.
Kolesnik argued that Latvia should instead focus on Ukrainian drones, which he claimed sometimes fly toward Russia, and suggested Latvia refrain from making "aggressive" statements.
Earlier threats over a drone factory
This is not the first time Kolesnik has targeted Latvia. He previously told the outlet gazeta.ru that Russia would have every right to strike a drone factory planned in Latvia, claiming it would produce weapons intended for use against Russia's armed forces.
Latvia-Ukraine cooperation
In June, Defence Minister Raivis Melnis signed an agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on comprehensive defence cooperation, including adopting Ukrainian experience in air defence against drone attacks and joint weapons production. A joint drone production facility is planned near Latvia's border, intended to bring jobs and investment to the Latgale region, with hopes of laying a foundation stone this year.
Latvia's former defence minister, who held the post from September 2023 to May 2026, was not directly linked to the shortcomings in the anti-drone system procurement.
