Even if warfare in Ukraine might be frozen, Latvia's security strengthening activities should not be reduced - Chief of Defense

RIGA - Even if the warfare in Ukraine might be frozen this year, it should not be perceived as a solution that would allow Latvia to relax its security concerns and reduce its own security strengthening activities, said Latvia's Chief of Defense Kaspars Pudans in an interview on the Latvian public television (LTV) this morning.

In general, Pudans noted that Latvia's security situation affected by several factors, including the US attack on Venezuela, but it is clear that Russia's hostilities against Ukraine still have the biggest impact.

The National Armed Forces Commander added that the upcoming parliamentary elections in Latvia in the autumn will also be important. Overall, Pudans does not foresee any major changes in the aspects affecting Latvia's security situation.

He informed that this year more than half of the defense budget will be spent on strengthening military capabilities, so the development seems to be somewhat unbalanced, but it is necessary because the development of these capabilities was lagging behind in previous years, as the Latvian army focused on other priorities before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.