Latvia’s PM to Russia: ‘There Are No Jokes With Us’

Latvia’s Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has delivered a clear warning to Moscow, saying “there are no jokes with us” – while meeting with NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels on Wednesday.

According to a NATO statement, Kulbergs and Rutte discussed security of the Alliance’s eastern flank, including allied troops and aircraft in the Baltic region under NATO’s air policing missions, and preparations for the NATO summit in Ankara. Fourteen NATO allies are currently working and training together in Latvia. 

“It is a clear demonstration of strong transatlantic ties, allied unity and ironclad commitment to Article 5,” Kulbergs said.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions in Europe, following Ukraine’s opening of the first negotiations cluster in its EU accession talks on Monday, as allies move to reassure frontline states that any attempt to destabilize them will meet a coordinated NATO response.

NATO reported that French jets deployed for Baltic Air Policing intercepted and destroyed a drone that entered Latvia’s airspace on June 8.

“Such drone incidents on NATO’s eastern flank show Russia’s dangerous and reckless actions,” Rutte said. “But it also shows once again NATO’s determination and ability to deter and defend…No ally stands alone in NATO.” 

Rutte praised Latvia for its support of Ukraine, including through the International Drone Capability Coalition, and noted that Riga’s core defense spending is on track to reach nearly 5% of GDP this year.

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On June 8, Ukraine and Latvia signed a drone cooperation deal during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with Kulbergs, aimed at strengthening joint defense capabilities and sharing battlefield expertise.

“Delivering increased defense investment, more defense production, and of course, our strong support for Ukraine,” Rutte said of the priorities for the NATO Summit in Ankara in July. “Latvia is already showing how it’s done.”

Latvian president warned NATO to prepare for worst-case scenarios

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined that NATO must be ready for worst‑case scenarios, warning that Russia remains dangerous and unpredictable, even as new diplomatic efforts seek to revive negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

“If there is an attack against the Baltic states, it’s an attack against NATO and Europe,” Rinkēvičs said, adding that such a scenario would inevitably draw in Poland, Germany, the UK and every other NATO member state.