Rinkēvičs: Russia loves when we are scared, important to show NATO stands behind us
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs called for continued support for Ukraine and urged NATO not to give in to Russian intimidation, emphasizing that the alliance's presence is a key security guarantee.
Before the NATO summit in Ankara, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs called for continued support for Ukraine and urged not to succumb to Russian intimidation. He expressed hope that the summit would adopt decisions needed to support Ukraine.
“If Ukraine wins, we will all be safer. If Ukraine has problems, then NATO and especially the Baltic region are not as safe,” Rinkēvičs said.
Regarding direct threats to Latvia, he noted that he does not expect a military attack similar to the one in Ukraine, but that Latvia is under constant hybrid attacks. “It's important to remind the world that we need to close our weaknesses: air defense, anti-drone protection. As for hybrid attacks, we must be ready,” he stated.
“Russia loves when we are scared. And when we talk about any threats to the eastern flank, it is important to show that NATO stands behind us. If we say there will be an attack, we must say we will fight. Latvia will fight, neighbors will fight, and the whole Alliance will fight,” the president emphasized.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže also does not think Russia is ready to attack any NATO country but expects further destabilization attempts from Moscow. NATO previously stated that while Russia remains a long-term threat, it will not attack the alliance in the short term.
