Latvian Defense Minister: Direct Russian Attack on NATO Currently Impossible

Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis, a former serviceman, told the LETA news agency that a direct Russian military attack on NATO is currently impossible. He stressed that this conclusion is not made merely to calm the public.

According to Melnis, Russia is trapped: Ukraine is successfully striking both Russian logistics and distant targets, preventing Russia from developing further offensives. Therefore, a direct attack on one or more NATO countries is impossible. Even if Russia did take such a step, it would immediately open much wider opportunities for Ukraine to conduct its operations, something Russia cannot afford.

Fighting a two-front war would be a strategic mistake, Melnis noted, adding that the attack on Ukraine itself was already a strategic error and miscalculation. In the near future, Russia will be unable to undertake anything similar, he said.

Regarding Russia's ability to organize other provocations, Melnis acknowledged that such actions are already happening, for instance in the realm of illegal immigration. However, Russia is capable of other types of provocations as well. "We do not have any little green men walking around, nor are there drones flying. If there is a drone, we destroy it; if there are little green men, they are arrested or neutralized. Both internal security services and the armed forces are ready to neutralize them," he added.

At the same time, the defense minister believes that Russia will rebuild its army in the future. That is why NATO is also strengthening its forces to stop Russia and achieve victory if needed. "But can we get inside [Vladimir] Putin's head? No. We must be ready, and we are preparing our troops for both provocations and the defense of the state," Melnis confirmed.

Raivis Melnis (48) is a former military serviceman. He served as an advisor on military cooperation to former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa. Since May 28, he has been the Minister of Defense of Latvia in the government led by Andris Kulbergs.