Latvian defense chief exits post after drones enter national airspace
Andris Sprūds (photo: Getty Images)
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds has resigned after two Ukrainian drones that came from Russia struck oil storage facilities on Thursday, May 8, according to Reuters.
The resignation came after Prime Minister Evika Siliņa called for his dismissal earlier today, stating that counter-drone systems had not been deployed quickly enough.
"The drone incident that occurred this week clearly demonstrated that the political leadership of the defense sector has failed to fulfill its promise of safe skies over our country. The public has entrusted the sector with the historically largest funding—nearly 5% of GDP. That is an enormous responsibility that demands clear results," she wrote on X.
Evika Siliņa also announced that Latvian army colonel Raivis Melnis has been appointed as the new defense minister.
What Ukraine says
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed today that the drones were Ukrainian. He clarified that they entered Latvian airspace as a result of the operation of the Russian electronic warfare systems, which deliberately divert Ukrainian drones away from their targets in Russia.
To address the issue, Sybiha said Ukraine is ready to cooperate with the Baltic states and Finland to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In particular, Ukraine considers deploying its experts to help strengthen air security over the Baltic region.
