Latvia

The defense ministers of Romania, Poland, and Latvia have signed a joint letter to Allies on strengthening NATO's air defense. They call for the immediate introduction of an air defense rotation model and increased deterrence activities on the eastern flank of the Alliance.

Romania's defense minister called on NATO to respond in a coordinated manner to incidents involving Russian missiles and drones. The countries on NATO's eastern flank expressed concern about repeated violations of NATO airspace.

Due to the closure of the Kolotylivka-Pokrovka checkpoint, Ukrainian citizens are advised to return via Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Georgia or Turkey. The Foreign Intelligence Service warns of the risks of filtration measures by Russia and Belarus.

Latvia has provided medical rehabilitation to over 540 wounded Ukrainian soldiers. The country will continue to support Ukraine by sending humanitarian aid and accepting wounded soldiers for treatment.

Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced the preparation of another package of military assistance to Ukraine. About 500 Latvian-made UAVs will be sent to support various combat missions.

The Deputy Head of the OP met with a delegation from the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. The parties discussed the Peace Formula, participation in the Crimean Platform and Brazil's presidency of the G20.

Starting August 8, Estonia will introduce enhanced customs control at all border crossings with Russia. The goal is to prevent the import of sanctioned goods, including military items and cash.

Italian Eurofighter Typhoons intercepted unidentified aircraft in Baltic airspace. The fighters took off from a base in Lithuania on the orders of the NATO surveillance center in Germany.

Construction of the first line of fortifications on the NATO border with Russia and Belarus has begun in eastern Latvia. The 'Baltic Defense Line' project involves the creation of anti-tank ditches, fences and bunkers to strengthen border defense.

Political analyst Taras Zahorodniy calls for an investigation into the situation with businessman Valeriy Mishchenko, who is suspected of illegally seizing Medvedchuk's companies. The assets were supposed to be confiscated by the state, but ended up in Mishchenko's hands.

Severe storms in the Baltic States and Poland left tens of thousands of people without electricity. In Lithuania and Poland, casualties were reported, infrastructure was damaged, and Latvia experienced record rainfall.

A powerful storm with record rainfall is raging in Latvia. Streets are flooded, roads are blocked, and 30,000 people are without power. Riga may receive two months' worth of precipitation, and a severe storm is expected.

Jana Černohova visited Ukraine and honored the memory of Czech and Ukrainian soldiers. She laid flowers at the Sadahur cemetery and took part in an event at the Choral Mound.

Most EU countries have already nominated candidates for the new European Commission. Among them are both new names and current commissioners. The key issues will be EU enlargement and negotiations with Ukraine.

Latvia is investigating information about the possible participation of its children in the Artek camp in occupied Crimea. Authorities warn of risks and urge not to visit the occupied territories of Ukraine.

Finance ministers from eight EU countries say Western sanctions have hit the Russian military machine. They call for increased pressure on the Putin regime and support for Ukraine.

The Latvian government has approved a new batch of medical aid for Ukraine. It will include antibiotics, syringes, bandages and other equipment, in particular for the damaged Okhmatdyt hospital in Kyiv.

A house for Ukrainian refugees has been opened in Riga, where they can live for the first 120 days of their stay in Latvia. The building is designed for 125 people and has an equipped kitchen and washing machines.

Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced that a new batch of military aid, including more than 500 drones, has been sent to Ukraine. This is part of a planned delivery of 2,500 drones worth 4 million euros.

Estonia joined the ban on the entry of cars with Belarusian license plates imposed by Latvia and Lithuania. The ban is related to the tightening of EU sanctions against Belarus for supporting Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Lithuania will ban the entry of cars with Belarusian license plates into the country from July 18, with the exception of diplomatic vehicles and personal use until August 16, 2024.

Ukraine celebrates the 34th anniversary of the Declaration of State Sovereignty, the first document on the path to independence adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on July 16, 1990.

Starting July 16, 2024, cars with Belarusian license plates will be banned from entering the European Union through Latvia's border crossings with Belarus and Russia as part of the eighth package of EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus for their participation in the aggression against Ukraine.

Luxembourg and Denmark have provided the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine with network equipment and licenses worth more than €2 million to improve network security and facilitate the implementation of information systems.

Several EU countries, including Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland, will boycott ministerial meetings organized by Hungary during its presidency of the EU Council to protest Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's meetings with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.

Romania will provide Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system and support its security efforts in the Black Sea region under a new bilateral agreement.

The Drone Coalition for Ukraine has created a fund, which has already received more than €45 million in contributions, to help deliver drones quickly.

Ukraine received more than 2,300 tons of energy equipment from 14 countries to repair and restore facilities damaged by Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.

Latvia has officially introduced a new legal form of relationship - the institution of partnership, which allows two adults of either sex to register a partnership and receive legal rights, social guarantees and tax benefits.

Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have called on the EU to build a defense line along its border with Russia and Belarus to protect the bloc from military and hybrid threats, which requires financial support from all members.