The Ministers of Defense of Ukraine and Latvia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the defense-industrial sphere. The parties discussed joint projects in the field of security and innovation, including the production of drones.
In Latvia, access to 27 Internet resources spreading Russian propaganda has been restricted. These websites systematically disseminated one-sided information about Russia's war against Ukraine and justified the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
The German arms concern Rheinmetall AG has begun construction of an ammunition production plant in Lithuania, which is the largest defense investment in the country's history. The enterprise will start operating in mid-2026, producing up to 100,000 shells annually.
Defense ministers from ten Joint Expeditionary Force countries will meet in Norway. This is the first JEF meeting with the participation of Ukraine's defense minister and the first above the Arctic Circle.
Latvian President Rinkēvičs has returned the law on the country's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention to the Saeima for "deeper discussion. " This decision has caused widespread public outcry, including a petition with over 62,000 signatures against denunciation.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal condemned Latvia's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, calling it a move in the wrong direction. He emphasized the importance of the convention in combating domestic violence.
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.
Around five thousand people protested in Riga against Latvia's plans to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention. The Saeima is expected to vote on this decision on October 30.
On October 28, Polish fighters intercepted a Russian Il-20 aircraft over the Baltic Sea, which was performing a reconnaissance mission with its transponder turned off. The aircraft did not violate Polish airspace, but NATO countries on the eastern flank are on high alert.
Companies from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are involved in a large-scale scheme to supply fuel to Russia's shadow fleet, having carried out 286 refueling operations. This activity is a gross violation of the sanctions regime, undermining the effectiveness of Western restrictions.
The detainees acted on behalf of Russian special services, preparing terrorist attacks and sabotage. The suspects set fire to a defense-related object and conducted reconnaissance of other important objects.
Operation Matador, involving Europol and law enforcement agencies from six countries, exposed an international group that stole premium cars in the EU. Searches were conducted in Ukraine, evidence was seized, and individuals involved in the theft of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi E-tron, and other cars were identified.
Two Russian aircraft, a Su-30 and an Il-78, violated Lithuanian airspace for 18 seconds, flying 700 meters near Kybartai. The country's security level has not changed, and Lithuanian services and NATO allies reacted appropriately.
Lithuania and eight other NATO countries are organizing the training and equipping of a Ukrainian brigade in Poland, supplying weapons and equipment. The initiative involves training servicemen according to NATO standards and strengthening support for Ukraine in long-range operations.
Ukraine's allies are seeking to strengthen its position ahead of Trump-Putin talks, fearing a bad deal. They are preparing a support package that includes funding, weapons, and new sanctions against Russia, and plan to involve Zelenskyy in any negotiations.
Cyprus criminalizes the provision of economic resources to sanctioned individuals, which may include accounts in sanctioned Russian banks for Russians with Cypriot passports. This is the implementation of a European Parliament directive, which only seven EU countries had implemented by May 20.
Military support for Ukraine from Western countries has significantly decreased, especially from the United States. Europe partially compensated for the deficit, but the volume of aid decreased by 57% in the summer.
On October 17, 2025, the Latvian State Security Service opened criminal proceedings against its citizen for a verbal attack on a Ukrainian family in Switzerland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed gratitude to Latvia for its prompt reaction to the incident.
Military aid to Ukraine in July and August decreased by 43% compared to the first half of the year. This is due to a change in the structure of support, with most aid now coming through the PURL program.
Ukraine, together with nine Scandinavian and Baltic countries, is launching an initiative to train and equip Ukrainian military personnel. The program provides for the training of units, the supply of weapons, and the strengthening of defense cooperation.
Finland is the only country in Europe where bomb shelters are available for almost all citizens, with 50,500 bunkers accommodating 4. 8 million people. They are located 20 meters deep and can protect even during a nuclear strike.
The 11th meeting of the IT Coalition in Stockholm will accelerate technology procurement for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and increase funding for digital projects. Since September 2023, the coalition has raised over 1.2 billion euros for the development of technological capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Kremlin applies the same narratives to the Baltic states as it did to justify invasions of former Soviet republics. This creates conditions for possible Russian aggression against NATO in the future.
Dragan Stojković resigned as head coach of the Serbian national team after a 0-1 loss to Albania in the World Cup qualifiers. This defeat was the second in a row for the Serbs, who are now in third place in Group K.
841 Russian citizens must leave Latvia by October 13 due to not submitting an application for long-term EU resident status. Staying in the country after this date will become illegal, which may lead to deportation.
In recent months, at least ten European countries have reported drone incursions into their airspace, raising concerns and leading to increased security measures. Romania, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, France, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and Belgium have witnessed these incidents, some of which are linked to Russia.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are developing emergency action plans that include the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in the event of a Russian military buildup or attack. This is a response to Russia's massive military spending and its invasion of Ukraine.
The Prime Minister of Latvia is not convinced that the idea of a drone wall along NATO's eastern border is promising and good. She called it "raw."
The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russia's violations of EU airspace and interference with infrastructure, demanding coordinated action and sanctions. The resolution calls for the creation of a European Defense Union and cooperation with Ukraine.
The Government of the Republic of Korea and UNDP handed over nine vehicles worth $555,000 to Ukraine. They will help communities in Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions provide essential services to local residents.
