In the Baltics, the armed forces of EU and NATO member Latvia have informed residents of a possible threat from a drone in the east of the country.
May 17, 2026, 09:27May 17, 2026, 09:27
The armed forces said the flying object entered the airspace in the morning and then left it again. NATO fighter jets had been activated, it was said, without further details. In the past, there have been explosions caused by drone incidents on Latvian territory.
Another flying object has entered Latvian airspace. (symbol image)Image: keystone
“As long as Russian aggression in Ukraine continues, it is possible that incidents of foreign drones entering or approaching Latvian airspace will occur again,” the military said. The airspace is constantly monitored and, together with NATO allies, a quick response to threatening situations is guaranteed.
This month, a rarely used oil depot with empty tanks in Rezekne in the east of the country was hit. In the incident, two errant Ukrainian drones crashed near the Russian border. Nobody was injured. The incident triggered a political crisis in the country, with first Defense Minister Andris Spruds and then Prime Minister Evika Silina resigning.
As a result of the war in Ukraine, there have already been several drone incidents in the airspace of the country, which borders Russia and Belarus. Silina had therefore accused Spruds of failing to defend against drones. (sda/dpa)