Latvia must prepare for Russia’s policy to remain aggressive over the long term, Latvia’s new ambassador to NATO, Maris Riekstins, stated, LETA reports. Speaking in an interview with LTV, Riekstins said that recent events suggested that Russian leader Vladimir Putin saw extending the war in Ukraine over many years as the only way out of…
Canada’s new defence attaché to Lithuania, Colonel Robert Foster, was accredited at the Lithuanian Defence Ministry on 26 July 2023, BNS reported. Prior to his appointment, Foster served as Canada’s defence attaché in Ukraine for the past four years. Lithuania’s Defence Minister, Arvydas Anusauskas, expressed hope for greater military cooperation with Canada, which has deployed…
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, Transport Minister Marius Skuodis, and Agriculture Minister Kestutis Navickas have sent a joint letter to the European Commission, in which they call for helping Ukraine export more grain via the Baltic States, BNS reports. The ministers argued that Baltic ports, railways, and roads could serve as a viable alternative route…
The movements of the Russian private military company, Wagner Group, in Belarus do not present any direct threat to Latvia, the Ministry of Defence stated, LETA reports. The ministry noted that Latvia’s national security authorities have been on high alert ever since Russia started its full invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said…
Estonia granted international protection to altogether 2,107 foreigners in 2022, which was up from the usual yearly average of around 50, according to data from the Ministry of Culture, ERR reports. The number of applications for international protection totalled 2,940, which was up from the usual 100. Also, Estonia granted temporary protection to 41,639 Ukrainian…
Lithuania is assembling a coalition of countries to help Ukraine’s demining efforts, Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas announced, BNS reports. He said that besides Lithuania, the coalition now included Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and soon Denmark. The minister invited other countries to join with their instructors and equipment. The demining mission will operate in territories liberated…
Joint policy coordination among the three Baltic States was crucial in the current geopolitical situation, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics stated, LETA reports. Speaking during an official visit to Lithuania, Rinkevics noted that Latvia and Lithuania shared common interests in terms of EU and NATO policy, strengthening security and defence capabilities, ensuring energy security and independence,…
Latvia donates around 70% of cars seized from drunk drivers to Ukraine, the State Revenue Service (VID) announced, LSM reports. The government has sent a total of 151 confiscated vehicles to Ukraine since March 2023. The local charity organisation, Agendum, provides for the delivery of most of the cars to Ukrainian government institutions.
Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, has appointed Laird Hindle as the country’s first ever ambassador to Estonia, ERR reports. Prior to his appointment, Hindle was Global Affairs Canada’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa. Joly said that the appointment would advance Canada’s strategic diplomatic presence in the Baltic States. She cited Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and…