Ukraine's men's basketball team has begun preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers in Riga. Dmytro Skapintsev and Oleksiy Len ignored call-ups to the national team, while 12 players are preparing for matches against Georgia and Denmark.
Belgium has purchased autonomous Blaze drones from the Latvian company Origin Robotics to detect and neutralize enemy aircraft. This is part of a 50 million euro package of measures aimed at countering drones after a series of incidents.
Lithuanian border guards stopped eight balloons and a homemade drone launched from Belarus. The weather balloons were carrying over 13,000 packs of illegal cigarettes, and the drone was also likely carrying contraband.
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.
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.
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 Saturday evening, the airspace over Vilnius International Airport was restricted, likely due to spotted balloons. Flights are being diverted to alternate airfields in Kaunas, Riga, and Gdansk.
The Lithuanian prosecutor's office is demanding 4 years in prison for 18-year-old Ukrainian Danylo Bardadym in the case of arson at an Ikea store in Vilnius. He is accused of terrorism and possession of explosives, and the damage from the fire was estimated at 485,000 euros.
On Saturday morning, a local resident discovered a drone fragment in the Luitemaa nature reserve in Pärnu County, Estonia. The Security Police are investigating the circumstances of how the foreign drone part ended up on the Estonian coast.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will hold official meetings in Warsaw, Berlin, and Riga on August 25–27. The main topics of the visit are strengthening transatlantic relations, developing strategic industries, and unwavering support for Ukraine.
NATO's easternmost countries are experiencing a sharp increase in radio and satellite jamming, affecting air and sea communications. Lithuania accused Russia of a 22-fold increase in GPS jamming.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa stated that Ukraine will receive American Patriot air defense systems. This comes amid intensified Russian drone and ballistic missile strikes on Ukrainian territories.
Entrance exams to the Master's program EVI and EFVV can be taken abroad. Registration will last from May 2 to May 23, additional period - June 16-17.
Власти Вильнюса обнародовали план эвакуации на случай военного вторжения, гибридных атак, ядерных угроз и стихийных бедствий. План разработан на основе опыта Украины и городов США.
Wizz Air, Ryanair and AirBaltic are planning to resume flights to Ukraine. Wizz Air has developed a plan for 100 routes, Ryanair is preparing a five-year recovery plan, and AirBaltic wants to be the first.
A court in Riga sentenced a 72-year-old Russian citizen to 8 years in prison for spying for Russia. Explosives and ammunition were found in the convict's garage.
Edgar Platonov, 41, from Latvia, died on December 25, 2024, in Novoyehorivka, Luhansk region. He voluntarily fought as a member of the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
A meeting was held in Riga to establish a special tribunal to punish the leadership of aggressor countries. The jurisdiction and roadmap of the tribunal were agreed upon, which could be operational by the end of 2024.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk presented the Victory Plan in the Lithuanian Parliament. He will also visit Estonia and Latvia to attract additional assistance to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.
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.
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.
