Edgars Rinkēvičs
As of now, 177,319 Latvian citizens have voted. The highest turnout was recorded in Saulkrasti Municipality, and the lowest in Rēzekne Municipality.
Edgars Rinkēvičs said that Latvian laws do not prohibit the deployment of nuclear weapons in the country. No negotiations are currently underway, but if NATO makes such a decision, it will be carried out.
Edgars Rinkevics said that the defense of Europe and NATO could become outdated by the middle of next year. He also warned of a shortage of Patriot missiles.
Social Welfare Minister Reinis Uzulnieks was dismissed after being detained with 3. 5 parts per thousand of alcohol in his blood. The incident was condemned by the president.
The presidents of Latvia and Lithuania stated that there is data on Russian Federation sabotage. Lithuania is strengthening the protection of energy and transport.
The Saeima of Latvia has approved a new government led by Andris Kulbergs. The coalition includes four parties, replacing the Cabinet of Ministers of Evika Siliņa.
Gitanas Nausėda called for the strengthening of air defense due to rising hybrid threats and incidents involving Russian drones. Europe must take concrete action to protect its borders.
The President of Latvia has tasked Andris Kulbergs with forming a government following the resignation of Evika Siliņa. The coalition collapsed due to disagreements over national security.
The President of Latvia has nominated Andris Kulbergs for Prime Minister following Siliņa's resignation. The cause was disputes regarding the response to drone crashes in the country.
The European Union is not yet ready to set a date for Ukraine's accession, as stated by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs and EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas. They emphasize the need to resolve issues in the Western Balkans and Moldova, and also link Ukraine's membership to a peace agreement.
The traditional Ukrainian Breakfast in Davos on January 22 will discuss ways to end the war and overcome challenges. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as the leaders of Latvia, Finland, the Netherlands, and Croatia, will participate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, thanking him for his support. Zelenskyy informed him about his meeting with Trump and his work with the American team, and also invited Rinkēvičs to visit Ukraine.
The leaders of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have stated the need for a joint decision on dismantling railway connections with Russia and Belarus. The presidents of the Baltic countries discussed this issue and handed it over to the ministers for further consideration.
The Latvian government is exploring the possibility of completely dismantling railway tracks leading to Russia, following a meeting between President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Prime Minister Evika Siliņa on November 26. The first conclusions of the analysis, conducted with the participation of the National Armed Forces and in coordination with Lithuania and Estonia, are expected in early 2026.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže arrived in Kyiv on November 26, where she was met by her Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha. She declared the support of the Latvian government and society for Ukraine in its struggle for a peaceful future.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated his Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkēvičs on Latvia's Independence Day. Ukraine is grateful to Latvia for its unwavering support and active stance.
On October 30, the Saeima of Latvia adopted a bill on the country's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. 56 deputies voted for denunciation, 32 against, and two abstained.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Anatolii Kutsevol from the post of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Latvia. Kutsevol held this position since December 2022, and before that worked in the Cabinet of Ministers and the Presidential Administration.
NATO Chiefs of Staff discussed recent airspace violations by Russian forces. The President of Latvia called for strengthening air defense and transforming Baltic air policing into an air defense mission.
A Russian fighter jet flew over a German Navy frigate in the Baltic Sea, which German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called a provocation. He compared the incident to recent Russian violations of Polish and Estonian airspace.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated at the UN General Assembly that Russia seeks a world where brute force prevails over international law. He emphasized that Ukraine is fighting for international order, and Russia has accomplices such as Iran and North Korea.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the UN General Assembly that Russia's invasion of European airspace indicates a threat of destabilization for all European countries. He emphasized the growing "disagreements" that hinder the global order.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that NATO must be ready to use force in response to Russia's actions. This will help prevent future airspace violations, especially if Russian aircraft continue to violate NATO airspace.
Russian kamikaze drones, while attacking Ukraine, violated Polish airspace, causing international resonance. World leaders call for increased support for Ukraine and the defense of Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an online meeting with newly elected Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The parties coordinated common diplomatic positions ahead of major diplomatic events.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with President of Poland Karol Nawrocki. As well as a number of other European leaders who supported Ukraine after Russia's massive attack.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs commented on the meeting between Trump and Putin, noting that the coming weeks will show whether Russia seeks a settlement of the war. He emphasized the need for serious guarantees for a peace agreement and continued pressure on the Russian Federation.
Latvia joins the NATO PURL mechanism, allocating at least 2 million euros for the purchase of weapons for Ukraine. This initiative provides for the centralized procurement of critically needed weapons, in particular air defense systems.
Contacts with leaders of other countries and ways to end the Russian-Ukrainian war were discussed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs discussed a new instrument for supplying weapons to Ukraine, PURL, which Latvia is ready to join. Ukraine's European integration path and the need to open a negotiation cluster were also discussed.