Nine defense ministers in joint statement condemns Russia for concentrating troops by Ukraine's border

RIGA - Defense ministers of nine countries in a joint meeting today condemned Russia's military activities in the NATO eastern flank, especially the military buildup by Ukraine's border, LETA learned from the Latvian Defense Ministry.

Latvian Defense Ministry's parliamentary secretary Baiba Blodniece took part in the defense ministers meeting of the so-called Bucharest Nine in Bucharest. The defense minister came up with a joint statement, condemning the hybrid attack implemented by Belarus and voicing solidarity with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland in solving regional security challenges.

The defense ministers also condemned Russia's military activities by Ukraine's border and voiced unity in strengthening NATO defense and deterrence abilities.

Bucharest Nine is a platform for discussing security issues, including Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.

The Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia has gathered more than 90,000 troops by Ukraine's border.