Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) detained former parliamentarian Aleksejs Rosļikovs on 16 June, following criminal charges related to his Russian-language outburst in parliament, Latvian Television reported.

The VDD opened criminal proceedings against Rosļikovs on 9 June on suspicion of assisting the aggressor state Russia in actions against Latvia and inciting national hatred and discord.

The case stems from Rosļikovs’ conduct during a 5 June parliamentary session, when he was expelled from the Saeima for rudeness and speaking Russian. During debate on a draft resolution titled “Declaration on the criminal Russification of Latvia by the Soviet occupation regime and the elimination of its linguistic consequences,” Rosļikovs took the podium to oppose including the project on the agenda.

At the end of his speech, he shouted a phrase in Russian that translates as: “There are more of us, our language is Russian!”

Following the incident, Rosļikovs told Latvian Television he did not regret his actions. “This was his response to restrictions on his native language, Russian,” the broadcaster reported.

The VDD had previously warned Rosļikovs “several times in preventive conversations about the expected criminal liability,” according to the security service.

Investigators identified signs of criminal offenses under Article 81.1 and Article 78 of the Criminal Law – assistance to a foreign state in actions directed against the Republic of Latvia, and inciting national hatred and discord. State officials face up to 20 years imprisonment for assisting foreign states in actions directed against Latvia.

The State Language Center initiated administrative violation proceedings regarding Rosļikovs’ actions, while the State Police will review complaints from several Saeima deputies about his conduct.

Rosļikovs, who represented the “Stability!” party, lost his parliamentary mandate after being elected to Riga City Council, meaning he can no longer be punished for potential ethics violations in his former role as MP.

Former President Valdis Zatlers commented that the deputy was trying to address his voters and that the incident demonstrated why it is important to participate in elections.

The parliamentary foreign affairs committees of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania issued a joint statement on June 6, affirming their firm support for Ukraine both in its defense against Russia and in its pursuit of EU and NATO membership.

Following their meeting in Lithuania on June 6, the Baltic states reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s EU integration, stating their goal of concluding accession talks and welcoming Ukraine as a full EU member by Jan. 1, 2030.

Ukraine applied for EU membership in 2022 and was granted candidate status within months. Accession talks began in June 2024, with European leaders setting 2030 as a target for Ukraine's potential accession.

Despite broad EU support for Ukraine's accession, Hungary remains a major obstacle. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on March 7 that his government would conduct an opinion survey on Ukraine's potential EU membership.

In their statement, the Baltic states also urged the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague to take "concrete political steps" toward Ukraine’s membership in the alliance. They argued that Ukraine's NATO accession would “consolidate a just and lasting peace not only in Ukraine but also in all of Europe" and help uphold the rules-based international order globally.

"Ukraine’s NATO membership would provide a more effective and enduring framework for safeguarding Euro-Atlantic security," the statement reads.

Ukraine applied for NATO membership in September 2022, months after the outbreak of the full-scale war. The country has not received a formal invitation, as the 32 members have not reached a consensus.

The statement also reaffirmed the Baltic countries’ pledge to support Ukraine “until its full victory,” and welcomed expanding defense cooperation between Ukraine and like-minded partners. It encouraged inviting Ukraine to join the U.K.-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), calling it a meaningful step toward deeper regional security integration.

"We call upon the Foreign Affairs Committees of other national parliaments, international parliamentary assemblies, governments, and responsible institutions to endorse this statement and to adopt corresponding actions that would ensure continued and determined support for Ukraine’s victory, reconstruction, and full integration into the Euro-Atlantic community," the statement read.

Nordics, Baltics urge concrete steps toward Ukraine’s EU membership

In a joint letter, the foreign ministers of Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia called on Brussels to put forward “concrete proposals on how to decisively advance Ukraine’s accession process.”

The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy

Latvia was elected on June 3 to the United Nations Security Council for the first time in its history.

Along with four other countries – Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Liberia – Latvia will serve a two-year term, beginning in January 2026, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Reacting to the vote, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze called it a "historic day for Latvia."

"We are honored by the trust placed in us and ready to take on this responsibility to defend the rules-based international order," she wrote on X.

With the exception of Latvia – which is taking a seat on the council for the first time – all the elected countries have previously served.

The newly elected countries will take the place of Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia, whose terms will end in December 2025. They will join the five non-permanent members that were elected last year – Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia.

The UN Security Council is the main UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It is composed of 15 members, including five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The permanent members hold veto power.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has repeatedly used its veto power to block resolutions concerning its actions in Ukraine. Latvia, a vocal critic of Russia, has consistently pushed for stronger Western support for Ukraine.

The Baltic nation has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine – it recently delivered 1,500 combat drones to Ukraine and has committed providing military support at the level of 0.25% of its GDP every year.

Latvia has also urged the European Union to adopt tougher measures against Russia, including an EU-wide ban on issuing visas to Russian citizens.

Ukrainian delegation arrives in US to discuss defense support, Russia sanctions

Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, is traveling to the U.S., a source close to the Presidential Office told the Kyiv Independent on June 3.

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

Today, we will discuss the increased Russian provocations and calls for the denazification of the Baltic countries. Not wanting to be caught off guard and taking these threats seriously, these countries are already taking measures to improve their security.

He accused these nations of showing high aggressiveness and claimed they were underestimating the devastating consequences of provoking Moscow.

This statement echoed a wave of similarly hostile rhetoric from Russian state officials and media figures over the past two years.

Questioning the sovereignty of nations

Russian officials, including former president of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, have repeatedly questioned the sovereignty of the Baltic countries.

Medvedev declared that the Baltic states belong to Russia and accused NATO of harboring anti-Russian intentions. State television host Vladimir Solovyov has gone even further, stating that these countries don’t need independence and that their sovereignty is a joke.

Such statements are not isolated; they reflect a coordinated campaign to frame the Baltics as illegitimate states and NATO’s eastern flank as a battleground ripe for denazification, a chilling repeat of the Russian justification for its war on Ukraine.

The return of a dangerous word: “denazification”

The term denazification is particularly troubling, as it has historically been used by Russia as a pretext for aggression. Prior to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow framed its war aims in identical terms, alleging that Kyiv needed to be cleansed of Nazis despite Ukraine being a functioning democracy with a Jewish president.

Now, with similar language being used against Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, the fear is that these statements may not be mere propaganda but early signs of a more expansive regional strategy.

NATO’s Achilles heel

From a military standpoint, the Baltic states represent a significant weakness for Russia, making them a tempting target.

Kaliningrad, Russia’s exclave on the Baltic Sea, is completely isolated and surrounded by NATO territory, so prominent Russian media and political figures are constantly calling for the establishment of a direct land route to Kaliningrad.

Most important is the narrow Suwalki Gap between Poland and Lithuania, as control over it would either sever or restore Russian land access to Kaliningrad, depending on who holds it.

Russia’s Baltic fleet faces a NATO wall

At the same time, since Finland and Sweden joined NATO, the Baltic Sea has become almost entirely encircled by NATO members, severely limiting Russian maritime maneuverability.

Russia’s Baltic Fleet, already small and aging, is no match for the combined naval power of NATO states in the region. On land, the Baltic countries host forward-deployed NATO battle groups and conduct regular military exercises to prepare for rapid mobilization.

These factors make any quick land grab by Russia, a tactic used in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, far less likely to succeed here. This only seems to enrage the Russian government further, fueling its hostile campaign.

No longer just words

Russia’s scare tactics extend beyond mere threats. The Kremlin actively invokes the presence of Russian-speaking populations in the Baltics, around 24% in Estonia and Latvia, as a rationale for intervention, much like it did in Ukraine.

These demographics are a legacy of Soviet-era population transfers and remain a sensitive issue.

Russian state media routinely portrays these ethnic Russians as oppressed and in need of protection, laying the narrative groundwork for a potential future military action.

Russia repeats Ukraine’s playbook

The Baltics are not ignoring these signals. They have witnessed firsthand how Russia used similar rhetoric to justify its invasion of Ukraine.

What was once dismissed as empty words has become a forerunner of real war. As such, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are bolstering their defenses, strengthening their ties with NATO, and preparing for the possibility of battle.

The line between information warfare and justification for full-scale war is growing thinner, and with every new threat from Russia, the sense of urgency increases.

Overall, Russia’s repeated calls for the denazification of the Baltic states and its threats of direct retaliation are viewed with the utmost seriousness by their governments.

The parallels with the lead-up to the war in Ukraine are stark, and after a series of provocations in the last months, the stakes are higher than ever.

For Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, preparing for the worst is not paranoia. It’s a necessity, and they are actively working to improve their security.

In our daily frontline report, we pair up with the military blogger Reporting from Ukraine to keep you informed about what is happening on the battlefield in the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Latvia — a small country of under 2 million people — has emerged as one of Ukraine’s most committed and proactive allies. Despite its size, Latvia considers supporting Ukraine a national priority, driven by its own history of Soviet occupation and the reality of having an aggressive Russia as a direct neighbor. For Latvia, Ukraine’s fight is not just about territorial defense — it’s about the future of European security and the rules-based international order.

As a NATO and EU member, Latvia has consistently provided Ukraine with military aid, humanitarian assistance, and political support, far surpassing expectations for a country of its size.

This commitment was formalized in April 2024, when Latvia became the first Baltic nation to sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine, reaffirming its role as a key strategic partner. This 10-year agreement outlines comprehensive support across multiple areas — from defense industry cooperation and military training to sanctions and energy infrastructure restoration.

In collaboration with the Dnistrianskyi Center, Euromaidan Press presents this English-language adaptation of Dariia Cherniavska’s analysis on Latvia’s role in Ukraine’s defense, recovery, and pursuit of justice.

Military aid: A small nation with big impact

Latvia’s military support is both substantial and strategic. Under the security agreement, Latvia committed to dedicating 0.25% of its GDP annually to military assistance for Ukraine from 2024 through 2026. In practice, it exceeded that pledge in 2024, delivering €170 million in military aid — well above its promised €112 million.

This aid included a mix of essential defense equipment:

• 42 Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers, manufactured in Latvia
• 9 CVR(T) reconnaissance vehicles donated from British stock
• A batch of NBS air defense systems
• Participation in the Czech initiative with a €10 million contribution to purchase 3,000 artillery shells

But one of Latvia’s most impactful contributions is in the drone warfare domain. Together with the UK, Latvia co-launched the Drone Coalition in February 2024 — a multinational effort to scale Ukraine’s unmanned aerial capabilities. Latvia contributed €20 million to this initiative in its first year, delivering nearly 5,000 drones, with 12,000 more UAVs scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2025.

In a bold policy stance, Latvia authorized Ukraine to use all weapons provided — including drones — to strike inside Russian territory, reinforcing Ukraine’s right to defend itself fully.

Building defense industry ties

Latvia’s commitment doesn’t end with deliveries. It is also fostering long-term defense industry cooperation with Ukraine. At least €10 million of Latvia’s drone funding in 2024 was invested in Latvian companies producing UAVs specifically for Ukraine.

In 2025, that investment continues, and Latvia has pledged another €10 million for joint defense manufacturing projects. Two Latvian companies — unnamed for security reasons — are producing the 12,000 drones being delivered in early 2025.

Additionally, the Finnish company Patria opened a production facility in Latvia in 2024, which now builds the armored vehicles supplied to Ukraine. This move strengthens Latvia’s own defense sector while reinforcing Ukraine’s ground capabilities.

Training Ukrainian forces to NATO standards

Latvia has provided crucial training for Ukrainian soldiers, ensuring they meet NATO military standards. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, over 4,000 Ukrainian troops have undergone training in Latvia.

The programs have covered a wide range of specializations: snipers, sappers, engineers, commanding officers, and, more recently, UAV operators. Latvia began drone operator training in mid-2024 as part of its support to the Drone Coalition.

In 2025, Latvia plans to train an additional 4,000 soldiers and has joined efforts to form and train the Nordic-Baltic Brigade — a 3,000–5,000-strong Ukrainian formation supported by Latvia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, and Lithuania.

Latvia’s role in sanctions and legal accountability

As a member of the European Union, Latvia plays a vital role in implementing and advocating for sanctions against Russia and its enablers. Between April 2024 and April 2025, the EU announced three new sanctions packages — with Latvia consistently supporting stronger measures.

Latvia has also taken individual steps. In February 2024, it became the first EU country to ban agricultural imports from Russia and Belarus, setting a precedent later followed by others. Latvia also contested EU decisions to remove certain Russian individuals from the sanctions list and maintained national sanctions against those dropped at Hungary’s request.

Beyond sanctions, Latvia is deeply involved in international justice efforts. It is an active member of the Joint Investigation Team on Russian war crimes and has helped draft the legal framework for a special tribunal on aggression against Ukraine. In March 2025, Latvian courts sentenced a citizen to five years in prison for participating in the war on Russia’s side — a rare case of domestic enforcement.

Cybersecurity and non-military security support

Latvia’s support extends into the information and digital realm. In 2024, it joined the IT Coalition, helping to raise €482 million for Ukraine’s cyber defense and communications capabilities.

Through this partnership, Latvia provided:

• €100,000 worth of frontline communications equipment
• Over 1,000 computers and monitors to bolster cybersecurity in Ukrainian government institutions
• A bilateral cybersecurity memorandum, establishing protocols for cooperation and intelligence sharing

This kind of digital support is crucial as Ukraine faces increasingly complex cyber threats from Russian-linked actors.

Humanitarian aid and reconstruction: Focus on Chernihiv Oblast

Latvia has also made post-war recovery a core part of its Ukraine strategy, particularly in the Chernihiv region, where it has pledged €15 million for 2024–2026.

In 2024 alone, Latvian funding helped rebuild:

• The Talalayivka Lyceum, damaged by shelling
• The Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital
• Educational and preschool facilities in surrounding communities

Latvia also delivered medical equipment worth €345,000, including 36 ventilators, and helped supply Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt Hospital after a missile attack.

Its support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been equally significant. Latvia donated over 70 transformers, dozens of diesel generators, and even a 250 MVA high-voltage transformer formerly used at Riga’s hydroelectric power station.

During mass Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid in 2024, Latvia and 13 other countries sent 2,400 tons of emergency energy equipment, aiding 57 Ukrainian utility companies.

Demining: Clearing the path to recovery

Latvia plays an active role in humanitarian demining through the Demining Coalition, which raised over €50 million in 2024. The coalition provided Ukraine with armored vehicles, demining machines, mine detectors, and obstacle-clearing systems.

Latvia specifically contributed €270,000 to HALO Trust, supporting the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance in liberated and front-line territories.

The coalition announced a long-term commitment of €700 million through 2034, with €130 million allocated for 2025 — a critical investment in civilian safety and rebuilding efforts.

Macro-financial support and international programs

Latvia also participates in key international financial initiatives aimed at stabilizing Ukraine’s economy and institutions. It contributed to:

• The Ukraine Capacity Development Fund (UCDF), managed by the IMF, raising $36 million
• The World Bank’s URTF, which gathered $2 billion from donor countries for recovery and reform

Through the EU’s ERA program, Latvia supports Ukraine’s access to loans financed by frozen Russian assets. By April 2025, Ukraine had received €5 billion in three tranches, and a total of €35 billion is planned through the EU’s broader Ukraine Facility.

Latvia has also taken part in the Medevac medical evacuation program, treating 545 wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Latvian hospitals since 2022.

Conclusion: Latvia’s leadership in Ukraine’s fight and future

Latvia has emerged as one of Ukraine’s most consistent and impactful supporters. It has provided some of the highest levels of military aid per capita, led innovative efforts like the Drone Coalition, helped rebuild war-torn communities, and pushed for legal accountability for Russian aggression.

This support is part of a broader framework of long-term commitments. Latvia’s 10-year security agreement with Ukraine is one of 29 such agreements signed as of February 2025 — 27 with G7-aligned nations, one with the EU, and one with Croatia. These agreements stem from the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, adopted at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023.

While they offer structure and stability, they remain a substitute for what Ukraine ultimately seeks: full NATO and EU membership, neither of which yet has a clear timeline.

Until then, Latvia — driven by its history, geography, and commitment to European security — continues to lead by example. Its sustained and strategic military aid to Ukraine places it among the most steadfast contributors.

Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže has publicly urged European Union countries to halt the issuance of visas to Russian citizens, citing serious security concerns, according to her post on X on 26 May. Braže emphasized that the number of Schengen visas granted to Russian nationals had increased by 25% in 2024 compared to 2023.

Braže wrote:

“Latvia calls on the EU countries to halt visa issuance for Russian citizens, citing security concerns.”

Calling on visa ban for Russian nationals, Braže reiterated the earlier appeal made by Latvia’s Minister of Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, who also called on EU countries to end the issuance of visas to Russian citizens, warning that such travel poses risks to the bloc’s internal security.

Sharp rise in visas granted to Russian nationals

Braže referred to a March article highlighting the rise in Schengen visa approvals. According to data discussed at the Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs of the EU in Brussels, 565,069 Schengen tourist visas were granted to Russian nationals in 2024. Notably, 90% of those visas were for tourism purposes.

Statistics from SchengenVisaInfo show that Italy received the most visa applications from Russians in 2023, handling 143,517 requests—28 % of the total. Italy also granted the highest number of Schengen visas to Russian citizens, issuing 134,141 visas, accounting for 30 % of all approved applications.