Russia Increases Pressure on Latvia
TEHRAN (Defapress) - As the war in Ukraine continues, Russia has increased its political and security pressure on the Baltic states, especially Latvia, a move that has increased concerns about the possibility of escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO.
Senior European military officials have warned in recent weeks that Russia may soon have the strength and will to “test NATO.” The German army chief and the Dutch military intelligence service believe that Moscow has not only not weakened since the war in Ukraine, but has also made its military larger and more efficient.
Meanwhile, Latvia has become a focal point of tensions, according to the report. After several Ukrainian drones crashed near the Russian border and a political crisis erupted in Riga, Russian officials have claimed that the Baltic states are allowing Ukrainian drones to cross their airspace to attack targets on Russian soil.
Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign intelligence service has gone even further, claiming that Ukraine intends to launch its attack drones directly from Latvian territory into Russia. It has also been said that Ukrainian military forces are stationed at several Latvian military bases. Moscow has warned that Riga may “pay the price” for such actions.
Russia’s UN representative has also stressed that Latvia’s membership in NATO will not prevent Russia from responding. These threats have been met with a sharp reaction from European officials.
Latvia’s foreign minister has called Russia’s accusations “lies and psychological operations,” and NATO’s secretary general has described Moscow’s claims as “completely ridiculous.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also warned that any threat against one member of the European Union will be considered a threat to the whole of Europe.
