On May 21, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held discussions with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs regarding recent security developments in Latvia. Rutte reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to the safety of its allies, stating, “NATO is fully dedicated to the security of all allies, and we will continue to ensure that we have everything necessary to protect every inch of the alliance’s territory.”
The conversation, as reported by Rinkēvičs’ press service, focused on airspace security in Latvia and the Baltic states. Officials deliberated on urgent measures to safeguard the airspace and enhance allied participation in defending the eastern border.
Latvia has experienced three consecutive days of air raid alerts, with the armed forces warning of potential drone incursions in several regions, including Ludza, Kraslava, and Rezekne. At least one drone has entered Latvian airspace, prompting train services in eastern Latvia, near the borders with Belarus and Russia, to be suspended.
Neighboring Lithuania also issued air raid alerts, with the Lithuanian armed forces and President Gitanas Nausėda reporting potential violations by two drones. Around 4:30 PM local time, the Lithuanian military raised the alert to a “red” level, urging residents in the Utena district to seek shelter. NATO fighter jets were deployed to intercept the drones, but the alert was later lifted.
Earlier in the day, the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—Nausėda, Rinkēvičs, and Alar Karis—discussed the drone threat and the need to bolster NATO’s defensive capabilities on the eastern flank. The leaders condemned Russian accusations that the Baltic states had allowed their airspace to be used for attacks on Russian territory.
In a related development, Estonian Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas accused Russian military forces of deliberately redirecting Ukrainian drones toward the Baltic states using electronic warfare techniques. Moscow had previously alleged that Latvia and Estonia had facilitated Ukrainian drone flights over their territories to strike targets in Russia.
Rutte emphasized that drones are entering the Baltic region not because Ukraine intended to send them there, but as a consequence of Russia’s reckless and illegal full-scale invasion that began in 2022. Rinkēvičs called for continued NATO investment in defense capabilities, particularly in air defense, and urged the alliance to reassess its operational goals to effectively address current challenges while enhancing airspace patrol missions in the Baltic region.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Baltic leaders discussed escalating security concerns due to drone threats in the region. The talks emphasized the need for enhanced air defense and NATO's commitment to regional safety amid accusations from Russia regarding airspace violations.