Latvia

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, ahead of the NATO summit, expressed doubt about the feasibility of the continued existence of the North Atlantic Alliance, emphasizing the need to adapt to changed conditions. He believes that "times have changed" and called on NATO to cooperate with the Global South, and also noted the decreasing influence of the European Union.

The Latvian Saeima approved a statement in support of Ukraine's earliest invitation to NATO ahead of the summit in The Hague. Inviting Ukraine to the Alliance will be a significant signal of its clear path to membership.

The State Security Service of Latvia urges to refrain from traveling to the Russian Federation and Belarus due to high recruitment risks. Citizens who cannot avoid traveling are advised to use special security measures with electronic devices.

The Saeima (parliament) of Latvia has passed a law prohibiting citizens of Russia and Belarus, as well as associated companies, from purchasing real estate in the country. The decision, which will take effect after being signed by the president, aims to enhance national security.

A brown bear roamed freely through Vilnius for two days, but hunters refused to follow the government's order to kill the animal, considering it non-aggressive.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a visit of foreign diplomats to the site of the Russian strike on a building in Kyiv. Representatives of more than 60 missions saw the consequences of Russian terror in Ukraine.

NATO's eastern flank countries are reviewing crisis response protocols for hospitals. They are buying bulletproof vests, moving operating rooms underground, and conducting training.

The Latvian State Security Service has detained Aleksejs Roslikovs on suspicion of helping Russia and inciting hatred. He is prohibited from leaving the country, and an investigation is underway.

In the first five months of 2025, 223. 4 thousand bicycles were imported to Ukraine for a total of almost 12 million dollars. This is 20% more than in the same period last year.

Alar Karis emphasized the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine and support for it on the battlefield. He expressed his belief that Ukraine will become a member of NATO in the long term.

Gitanas Nausėda criticizes the insufficient determination of anti-Russian sanctions, calling for disconnecting banks from SWIFT, sanctions against the "shadow fleet" and energy companies. He also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine.

Contracts for service in the Ukrainian Legion were signed in Lublin. Volunteers from different countries will undergo 45-day military training in Poland.

The Foreign Affairs Committees of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia supported Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO. They called on other countries to support Ukraine's victory and integration.

Ukraine was elected in the first round as a member of ECOSOC for 2026-2028. This is a significant achievement that will contribute to global cooperation in the field of development.

Estonia has decided to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention due to the threat from Russia. This decision will provide more flexibility in the choice of weapons to protect the country.

The Netherlands will provide a €400 million aid package to protect the Black Sea and rivers of Ukraine. It includes more than 100 patrol boats and other vessels.

UN countries supported Latvia, which nominated its candidacy for the first time. Latvia pledged to promote peace, security and sustainable development, receiving 178 votes.

A volunteer from New Zealand, Sean Le Kerns, died during combat operations. He defended Ukraine in the ranks of the Defense Forces, as reported by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia.

In the second half of 2024, electricity prices for households increased in 10 EU countries and decreased in 14. The largest increase was in Portugal, and the largest decrease was in Latvia.

The countries will join the international coalition in support of Ukraine. The coalition participants have allocated 2.75 billion euros to support Ukraine this year.

Latvia has sent 1,500 combat drones to Ukraine as part of an international coalition. Two Latvian companies will supply 12,000 drones within six months.

It will become known in the near future whether the US will change its policy towards Russia. Russian air strikes prove that it is not ready for a ceasefire, said the Latvian Ambassador to NATO.

The introduction of EU duties on Ukrainian agricultural products may cause economic damage to Ukraine and undermine confidence in Europe. This will reduce Ukraine's export revenue to 3.5 billion euros.

Leaders of nine EU countries have called for a revision of the European Convention on Human Rights. The reason is the difficulty in deporting migrants who have committed crimes.

Germany is increasing its military presence in Lithuania, expanding its tank brigade to 5,000 troops by 2027. This is a response to Russian aggression and the strengthening of NATO's eastern flank.

The organizers of Wimbledon-2025 have announced the list of participants, which includes five Ukrainians: Svitolina, Kostyuk, Yastremska, Kalinina and Starodubtseva. The tournament will be held from June 30 to July 13.

Lithuania has filed a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice of the United Nations against Belarus, demanding compensation for organizing the illegal flow of migrants. Vilnius accuses the Lukashenko regime of using migrants as a political weapon.

Latvian volunteer Ņikita Tarenkov died on the Ukrainian front. He was wounded while repelling the offensive and died from a drone strike during the evacuation.

Johann Wadephul stated a security threat due to Russia's "shadow fleet" and confirmed the EU's plans for new sanctions. The 17th package of sanctions will tighten measures against these vessels.

The Latvian Defense Intelligence Service calls on citizens to be attentive to suspicious persons who may be spies with backpacks and radios. Especially if they are interested in infrastructure and photograph objects.