Latvian defence minister: NATO must accept new reality caused by Russia's aggression

Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds has said that NATO countries need to adapt to the new reality brought about by Russia's aggressive actions.

Source: a statement by Sprūds cited by Baltic states news website Delfi, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sprūds pointed out that because of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, NATO airspace is increasingly being violated and threatened – a clear signal of a change in reality to which we must adapt.

The Alliance needs to immediately implement a rotational air defence model on NATO's eastern flank to send a message to Russia, the minister said.

Sprūds emphasised that Latvia and other allied countries are currently implementing a number of measures to protect and strengthen NATO's eastern flank, but this is not enough.

The Latvian official explained that his country is working hard to develop its air defence capabilities in order to introduce a multi-layered air defence system.

Sprūds also said Latvia has sent mobile air force combat groups, equipped with air defence surveillance radars and short-range missiles, to the country's east.

Background: 

• A Russian drone flew into Latvia from Belarus in September.
• Latvia subsequently deployed additional radars and mobile air defence units to its eastern borders.

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