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Latvia has uncovered a 10-metre underground tunnel on its border with Belarus, through which 15 migrants illegally crossed into the country. This discovery has raised serious security concerns, leading Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs to announce "Operation Perevert," a comprehensive initiative aimed at reinforcing border security. As Latvia grapples with these challenges, it continues to strengthen its defense alliances, notably with Ukraine. Recent developments include agreements on joint UAV production and the modernization of Latvia's air defenses, showcasing Latvia's commitment to regional security. Such efforts are crucial amidst ongoing tensions with Russia, further heightened by discoveries of drone wreckage and airspace violations.
What led to the discovery of the secret tunnel in Latvia?
Latvian authorities discovered a 10-metre underground tunnel at the Belarus border, used for illegal migrant crossings. This unprecedented find prompted Latvia to launch a large-scale security operation to address the breach and prevent future incidents.
How is Latvia enhancing its border security following this incident?
In response to the tunnel discovery, Latvia initiated "Operation Perevert," a strategic effort to bolster border security. Measures include increased surveillance, infrastructure improvements, and collaboration with neighboring countries to prevent illegal crossings and enhance regional stability.
What are the implications of Latvia's cooperation with Ukraine on defense?
Latvia and Ukraine's agreements on UAV production and air defense modernization reinforce their strategic partnership. These initiatives not only bolster each nation's defense capabilities but also fortify the regional security framework against potential threats from Russia and other adversaries.
How does the tunnel discovery affect Latvia's relations with Belarus?
The tunnel incident has strained Latvia-Belarus relations, raising concerns about border security and potential Belarusian involvement. This situation may lead to increased diplomatic tension as Latvia seeks to ensure its territorial integrity and secure its borders against illegal activities.
What other security challenges is Latvia facing apart from the tunnel issue?
Latvia grapples with multiple security challenges, including drone activities near its borders, airspace violations, and Russian hybrid threats. These issues demand constant vigilance and strategic coordination with regional allies to mitigate risks and safeguard national security.
How does Latvia's defensive stance influence European security dynamics?
Latvia plays a crucial role in bolstering European security, particularly along the eastern flank. Its proactive measures, including defense collaborations and technological advancements, are vital in countering Russian aggression and ensuring the stability of NATO's collective defense framework.
What measures has Latvia taken to address airspace violations?
In response to airspace violations, Latvia has implemented strict regulations, including airspace restrictions and enhanced monitoring. Coordination with neighboring countries and defense partners is also critical to address aerial threats effectively and maintain air sovereignty.
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Kremlin propagandist Graham Phillips detained in Latvia. VIDEO The British was nagging at the participants of a rally to commemorate fighters of the Latvian Legion. 80 005 203
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"Destruction, death, explosions": Lukashenko's dictator associate Volfovich threatened Poland, Lithuania and Latvia with war The so-called " State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus" Alexander Volfovich threatened three EU countries - Poland, Lithuania and Latvia - with "destruction, death and explosions". 53 881 120
Latvian society is tired of refugees from Ukraine, - head of Ministry of Internal Affairs The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Latvia Kristaps Eklons admitted that the society and businessmen feel tired of reception of military refugees from Ukraine. 48 462 178
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Sberbank to sell its subsidiary in Ukraine Russia's biggest bank Sberbank is selling its subsidiary in Ukraine to a consortium of investors. 31 421 70
Five US Air Force Black Hawks reinforce NATO battalion in Latvia. PHOTOS On Wednesday morning, March 1, five U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were delivered to Latvia as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. 28 683 40
"Avdiivka is Ukrainian Aleppo": Ukrainians protest at Russian embassies in Riga, Rome and Lisbon. VIDEO+PHOTOS Ukrainian communities of Portugal, Latvia, and Italy picketed Russian embassies in their countries. 27 036 37 Previously in trend: Avdiivka fighting
Department of State approves shipments of American-made lethal weapons to Ukraine by Baltic countries- Reuters The U.S. Department of State approved the request of the Baltic states and allowed them to supply American-made lethal weapons to Ukraine 24 903 128
Latvia will hand over its entire fleet of helicopters to Ukraine, - Prime Minister Karins Latvia has already provided Ukraine with military aid alone amounting to more than 1% of its GDP, including the transfer of all available Stinger man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems, and is preparing to complete the transfer of all its helicopters. 23 470 80 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine War
Merkel Is Going to Latvia to Discuss Ukrainian Conflict German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel is going to visit Riga on August 18 to discuss situation in eastern Ukraine with the leaders of Latvia. 21 978 135
"Russia does not fulfill Minsk agreements," - Poroshenko held meeting with authorities of Defense Ministry of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. PHOTOS The President of Ukraine held meeting with Vice Minister of Defense of the Republic of Poland Tomasz Szatkowski, Minister of Defence of Latvia Raimonds Bergmanis, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Lithuania Juozas Olekas, and Minister of Defence of Estonia Hannes Hanso. 21 550 145
Latvian budget boosted with €50M embezzled by former Ukrainian officials, - Delfi Latvia continues a probe into the origin of money that could be stolen from Ukraine's state budget and legalized by Latvian banks. However, the Prosecutor General's Office of Latvia says Ukraine has not provided any materials on the funds embezzled by former government officials. 21 368 59 Previously in trend: Yanukovych Family
Mayor of Daugavpils, Latvia, Elksninsh, called Crimea Russian and did not say that Russian Federation is aggressor Andrejs Elksninsh, the mayor of Daugavpils, Latvia’s second-largest city, called Crimea Russian, and also avoided calling Russia the aggressor and the sole culprit of the war. 21 364 131 Previously in trend: War
Presidents of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia travel by train to Kyiv. PHOTOS Presidents of Poland Andrzej Duda, Estonia Alan Karis, Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, and Latvian President Egils Levits are also heading to Kyiv. 21 314 155 Previously in trend: War
Latvia PM resigns after meeting with president, - Reuters Latvian Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma said on Monday that she was resigning her post. 19 219 98
Ukraine fails to return embezzled funds as information exchange with Latvia flops, - lawyer Ukraine has failed to return money stolen by certain Yanukovych era officials and kept on bank accounts in Latvia due to the lack of communication with Latvia's law enforcement agencies. 18 375 94 Previously in trend: Yanukovych Family
NATO jets intercept Russian military aircraft near Latvia NATO air jets have intercepted a Russian military aircraft above the Baltic Sea near Latvia border. 18 265 86 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Latvia Is Ready to Recognize the DPR and LPR as Terrorist Organizations - Ambassador The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia in response to the appeal of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is ready to recognize the self-proclaimed Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics as terrorist organizations. 17 725 208 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Latvia erected first three kilometers of fence on border with Russia First three kilometers of fence have been erected on the Latvian-Russian border, intended to be one of the ways of restraining illegal migrants. 17 568 79
Author of petition on Latvia merger with Russia got six months in jail A Latvian court on Friday sentenced Maksim Koptelov, an ethnic Russian resident, to six months in prison for launching an online petition calling for the country to merge with Russia. 16 878 181
Latvian-confiscated €50M of former Ukrainian officials could be returned to Ukraine under European Council and UN conventions, - PGO Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine states it is possible to return almost 50 million euro belonging to former Ukrainian officials which had been frozen on bank accounts and subsequently confiscated in Latvia. 15 989 37 Previously in trend: Yanukovych Family
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Russia wants to divert attention from ongoing aggression against Ukraine, – Poroshenko President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko thanked the leaders of the Baltic countries for their support and solidarity with Ukraine. 15 172 219
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Russia needed provocation rather than Eurovision, - Poroshenko The Russian Federation was not willing to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Kyiv. 13 480 63
Russian Air Incursions Rattle Baltic States - The Financial Times The Baltic countries are registering a dramatic increase in Russian military provocations, rattling nerves in a region which fears it could be the next frontier after Ukraine in Moscow’s quest at asserting its regional power. 13 316 62 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland visited Borodyanka Polish President Andrzej Duda and Estonian Presidents Alar Karis, Lithuanian Presidents Gitanas Nauseda and Latvian President Egils Levits visited Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, which has been hit hard by the Russian invasion. 12 433 25
Olena Zelenska visits Ukrainian school in Riga. PHOTOS First Lady Olena Zelenska and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba have visited a Ukrainian secondary school in Riga. 12 126 61
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Ukraine grateful to partners for sanctions imposed against Russia over disrespect for Minsk deal, - Poroshenko Ukraine is grateful to its European and international partners for maintaining sanctions against the Russian Federation due to constant violations of the Minsk agreements. 11 289 83 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia
NATO member countries agreed to deploy four battalions in Poland and Baltics, - Stoltenberg NATO leaders agreed to send four allied forces battalions in Poland and the Baltic states. 11 232 122
Russia must be destroyed. We should not draw red lines for ourselves - President of Latvia Rinkevičs European countries should not be afraid of Russia, and the West should not be afraid to draw red lines. 10 929 51
Poroshenko visits Ukrainian military in Latvia's rehabilitation center Vaivari. PHOTOS President Petro Poroshenko and First Lady Maryna Poroshenko have visited wounded Ukrainian servicemen who are undergoing rehabilitation in the National Rehabilitation Center Vaivari in Jūrmala. 10 276 26
For first time, German fighter jets intercepted Russian planes near territorial waters of Latvia. PHOTOS On Friday, 1 March, German fighter jets took off from the Lielvarde military base to intercept Russian aircraft near Latvian territorial waters. 9 763 32
Russian Federation Bomber’ Flights Over Baltic Sea Is Provocative Act of Military Nature - Latvian Ministry of Defense The Latvian Defense Minister Raymonds Vejonis said that the Russian bombers’ flights over the Baltic Sea, which, as previously reported, were spotted by the NATO military and the Armed Forces of Estonia and Latvia are military provocation. 9 435 100
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Latvia ready to discuss restitution of seized funds stolen by Yanukovych-era officials, - PGO Latvian Prosecutor General Eriks Kalnmeiers expressed readiness to discuss the possibility of reversion to Ukraine or distribution of funds seized from the bank accounts of certain Yanukovych-era officials. 8 746 39
In office of President of Latvia Levits, Russian-language letter of MEP Zhdanok was ignored The office of Latvian President Egils Levits left the open letter of MEP Tetiana Zhdanok unanswered. In a letter written mostly in Russian, she demanded and called to explain why the website of the head of state will no longer have this language. 8 532 47
Ukraine received 6 M109 howitzers from Latvia - Reznikov Latvia handed over six M109 howitzers for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 8 511 27 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine War
Russian FSB recruited Latvian MEP Ždanoka - media investigation. PHOTO MEP from Latvia Tatjana Ždanoka (Russian Union of Latvia) has been reporting on her activities to her supervisors from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) since at least 2004 and asking them for funds for events. 8 447 29
Baltic States and Poland will close entry of Russians with Schengen visas from September 19 Starting from September 19, Estonia closes entry for citizens of Russia, in particular those who have Schengen visas issued by third countries. 8 362 69 Previously in trend: War
Losses of Russian Federation in war in Ukraine limited ability to carry out offensive actions against other countries, - Austin US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that Russia’s offensive potential has significantly decreased after 5 months of war in Ukraine. 8 326 30 Previously in trend: War
Latvia offers to allow Ukraine to strike military targets in Russia at NATO summit - Bloomberg Ukraine should be able to strike military targets in Russia as it protects its critical infrastructure 8 129 35 Previously in trend: War
Latvia will send Stinger air defense systems, helicopters, drones and ammunition to Ukraine Latvia will send a new package of military aid to Ukraine, including Stinger anti-aircraft missile systems, helicopters, drones and ammunition. 7 888 14
Ukraine's Embassy in Latvia announces campaign by pro-Russian forces to discredit Ukrainian Ambassador and Embassy Pro-Russian forces have launched a campaign to discredit the Ukrainian ambassador and the embassy in Latvia due to the principled position of Ambassador Oleksandr Mischenko to expose the criminal activities of the so-called Ukrainian organization "Association of Ukrainian Societies in Latvia" against Ukraine. 7 535 37
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