Latvian defense minister resigns over Ukrainian drone incursion

Prime Minister Evika Silina has dismissed Andris Spruds after unmanned aircraft violated the country’s airspace

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina has dismissed Defense Minister Andris Spruds after Ukrainian drones hit oil storage facilities on the Baltic state’s territory.

“The drone incident this week clearly showed that the leadership of the defense sector failed to deliver on its promise of a safe sky over our country,” Silina wrote on X.

She added that Spruds had lost both her trust and the trust of the public.

Spruds, however, stated that he had already decided to resign himself. He accused the prime minister of rushing to announce his dismissal for political reasons and lying about informing him and his party, the Progressives, in advance.

The incident highlights growing tensions and security concerns in the Baltic states amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

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