Latvia is beefing up its defence measures amid concerns of a potential Russian invasion, with security taking the spotlight at the annual Riga Conference. Nearly 1,000 days after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Latvia remains on high alert as it shares a 300-kilometre border with its neighbour. The Baltic nation, home to nearly two million people, has made security and self-defence its top priority.
Jānis Karlsbergs, chairman of the defence-focused NGO Latvian Transatlantic Organisation, highlighted the threat from Russia, stating that the country is attempting to sow division within Latvian society. Despite this, he emphasized that Russia is currently weak and stands no chance against Latvia if the country acknowledges its strength and unity.
To combat the potential threat, Latvia reintroduced military service last year, with a lottery determining which men aged 18 to 27 must serve for 11 months. The aim is to train 4,000 soldiers by 2028 to defend against a possible Russian invasion. According to Karlsbergs, this move will strengthen the country’s defences by integrating security-related questions into society.
The Riga Conference, focusing on foreign policy and security, serves as a platform to address these concerns and strategize for the future. The aim is to create a unified front in the face of potential threats, emphasizing the importance of societal unity in defending against external aggressors.
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