Two Russian drones entered Latvian airspace during an attack on Ukraine. One drone exploded at the oil depot in Rezekne without causing damage, as it hit an empty tank. The second drone is still being searched for. Latvian authorities quickly responded by suspending school activities in the region and informing residents that the danger had passed.
This incident has raised concerns in Latvia, a country not directly involved in combat but increasingly affected by the proximity of the war. In response, NATO aircraft are now patrolling the skies over Latgale, and the alliance expressed readiness to defend the region.
Experts suggest that Russian drone incursions might be a test of NATO's response to such incidents. The Kremlin also aims to highlight indecisiveness within NATO and the US, increasing the risk of hybrid threats in the Baltic region.
Similar incidents have occurred previously in Poland, and experts warn that provocations may continue in other European countries. Latvia, though distant from the front, now directly feels the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
