We follow war in Ukraine very closely - general

RIGA - We are following the war in Ukraine very closely and with great interest, both personal and professional, Brigadier General Georgs Kerlins, Chief of the Joint Staff of the National Armed Forces (NAF), said in an interview with Latvian Television on Tuesday. 

Kerlins noted that some of the lessons learned from Ukraine are being introduced in Latvia's defense plans. "The war in Ukraine clearly has an influence on what we are doing, and we are trying to learn from it," Kerlins said. 

Commenting on Latvia's comprehensive national defense exercise Namejs 2024, which kicks off today, Kerlins said that in addition to many other activities, the drills will include the mobilization of some resources of the economy with support from companies and other organizations. 

The military training exercise will also include the mobilization of two battalions of the 3rd Latgale Brigade of the National Guard. The brigadier general called on everyone who receives notifications to rearrange their civilian life so that they can take part in the exercise. 

Other units will also be involved in future exercises, Kerlins said. 

As reported, the comprehensive national defense exercise Namejs 2024, organized by the National Defense Forces (NAF) will take place across Latvia from today until October 8, involving approximately 11,000 Latvian and allied soldiers and members of the National Guard.