Rinkēvičs: An Attack on the Baltics Is an Attack on NATO and Europe

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs described Russia as unpredictable and emphasized that NATO must be prepared for the worst-case scenarios.

Scraper SystemJune 06, 2026, 01:35 PM

Rinkēvičs: An Attack on the Baltics Is an Attack on NATO and Europe

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that NATO must remain prepared for the worst-case scenarios. Describing Russia as still dangerous and unpredictable, Rinkēvičs highlighted the importance of military readiness amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Rinkēvičs emphasized that any Russian attack on the Baltic countries should not be seen merely as a regional threat but as a direct attack on NATO and the European Union. In such a scenario, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other allies would automatically become involved.

Russia’s Next Move Uncertain

The Latvian leader said it is difficult to predict Moscow’s next move. He pointed out that Russia has not achieved a decisive victory in Ukraine, economic pressure is increasing, and there are signs of domestic discontent, making military preparedness essential.

Rinkēvičs stressed the importance of deterrence, saying, "The better prepared we are, the less we show fear." According to him, preparedness strengthens not only defense capabilities but also political resolve.

Defense Cooperation Between Latvia and Ukraine

Rinkēvičs explained that Latvia is working closely with Ukraine in the defense sector. He mentioned cooperation particularly in unmanned aerial vehicles and anti-drone capabilities and expects a separate Latvia-Ukraine defense agreement to be finalized soon.

The president described the United States as "indispensable" for European security but argued that Europe needs to invest more in its own defense. He also called for deepening regional cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as Poland and Germany.

Cautious Message on Negotiation Prospects for Ukraine

Addressing the Ukraine front, Rinkēvičs said Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s open letter to Vladimir Putin provided a strong assessment of Russia’s position and outlined Kyiv’s conditions for a possible ceasefire. However, he added that he does not expect immediate results.

Rinkēvičs expressed the view that Russia is not yet ready to meaningfully change its behavior or come to the negotiating table. He believes that concrete talks will only begin once Moscow feels it is losing the war.

The Latvian president suggested that the Kremlin might have sought more favorable terms by sidelining Kyiv, which he considers a miscalculation. He stressed that Europe must continue supporting Ukraine and maintain sanctions against Russia.

Rinkēvičs’s statements have reignited discussions around Baltic security, NATO’s defense plans, and the future of the war in Ukraine. The Latvian leader clearly conveyed that a potential attack would concern not only the Baltics but the entire alliance.

Rinkēvičs: An Attack on the Baltics Is an Attack on NATO and Europe

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs described Russia as unpredictable and emphasized that NATO must be prepared for the worst-case scenarios.