Latvia

The second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 took place on May 9 in Malmö, where 10 more countries - Latvia, Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, Israel, Greece, Estonia, Switzerland, Georgia and Armenia - advanced to the grand final on May 11, joining the 10 countries that had qualified from the first semi-final.

The participation of several EU diplomats in Putin's inauguration in Moscow does not contradict the EU's agreed position on continuing to support Ukraine against Russia's illegal aggression, an EU spokesman said.

The UK expels a russian defense attaché, revokes the diplomatic status of some russian facilities, and restricts russian diplomatic visas in response to moscow's "malicious activities" and illegal war in Ukraine.

Ukraine is preparing meetings and documents that will make news in the coming weeks, including new visits by partners, new security agreements, the start of negotiations with the European Union in June, and preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.

Ukraine is working to ensure global representation and participation of leaders at the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland to restore the full force and effectiveness of the UN Charter to achieve a just peace.

Latvia has donated communication equipment worth about 100,000 euros to Ukraine as part of the IT Coalition program, helping Ukrainian brigades to establish communication on the front line.

President Zelenskyy discussed with Latvian President Rinkēvičs the consolidation of global support for the Peace Summit and thanked Latvia for signing a bilateral security agreement and for its commitment to allocate 0. 25% of GDP annually to support Ukraine.

The European Union is hesitant to attend Vladimir Putin's inauguration ceremony, but EU High Representative Josep Borrell opposes the EU's participation in the event.

Germany plans to deploy a permanent brigade to Lithuania to strengthen NATO's eastern defense. The deployment of the German brigade in the Baltic country is "in full swing.

Ukraine calls on the world not to recognize Vladimir Putin as the legitimate president of Russia due to the undemocratic nature of the recent elections and Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

Germany will not send representatives to the inauguration of Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 7. Berlin emphasizes that the elections in Russia did not meet democratic standards.

If elected president, Trump plans to demand that NATO allies increase defense spending to 3% of GDP, excluding aid to Ukraine.

NATO condemns Russia's hybrid actions against Allies and will respond to such attacks individually and collectively, while continuing to support Ukraine.

Latvia announces a new military aid package for Ukraine, including reconnaissance drones and short-range anti-aircraft guns.

Over the weekend, Baltic ministers warned of the risk of an air disaster due to GPS jamming blamed on Russia, after two Finnish flights were forced to turn around midway due to interference with navigation signals.

Latvia has started building anti-tank ditches near its eastern border as part of the Baltic Defense Line to deter potential military threats.

Latvia has donated a 250 MVA transformer, compressor, and transformer oil to Ukraine to help supply power and heat critical infrastructure after the russian missile attacks.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met in Kyiv with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže to discuss further support for Ukraine, including military assistance, EU and NATO integration, increased sanctions against Russia, and confiscation of Russian assets.

EU agriculture ministers plan to increase the maximum amount of minimum state aid to €50,000 per farm for three years to support the agricultural sector amid ongoing market turmoil.

Ukraine and Latvia discussed increasing joint production of drones.

Four people have been detained in Georgia for stealing rare 19th century books worth hundreds of thousands of euros from libraries across Europe as part of an organized criminal group.

Ukraine and Portugal start negotiations on a bilateral security agreement.

The Drone Coalition, initiated by Latvia, has raised almost 500 million euros for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In particular, Denmark and the Netherlands have already announced the purchase of 400 million euros worth of drones.

France has proposed new EU sanctions against Russian disinformation operations and election interference around the world.

In Riga, the authorities urged citizens to clean out basements and adapt them as shelters for civil defense purposes.

Heavy snowfalls and blizzards have caused difficult driving conditions on major highways across Latvia, with snow cover on the roads and anti-slip materials being used.

EU allies insist on maintaining strong support for Ukraine after the US approves a $61 billion aid package.

Latvia plans to gradually replace Russian as a second foreign language in schools with one of the official languages of the European Union starting in the 2026/2027 school year.

Ukraine is nearing the signing of a major security agreement with the United States that will be a strong security guarantee alongside agreements with Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway in May-June, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

The documentary In Search of Nika, about Russia's crimes against animals during its invasion of Ukraine, premiered on April 19 and will be available on YouTube in Ukraine.