Latvia, Ukraine Deny Russian Claims of Drone Launch Site

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has once again stirred controversy with claims that Latvia has become a staging ground for Ukrainian drone attacks against Russian territory. This latest assertion, however, has been met with swift and unequivocal denials from both Latvia and Ukraine, who characterize the SVR's statements as part of a broader disinformation campaign.

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Latvia does not allow its territory or airspace to be used to attack Russia or any other country.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has firmly refuted the SVR's allegations, emphasizing that Latvia adheres strictly to international law and does not permit the use of its territory or airspace for any military actions targeting Russia or any other nation. This stance aligns with Latvia's consistent policy of supporting Ukraine while maintaining its own security and sovereignty.

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The latest false claims by Moscow, accusing Ukraine of preparing attacks against Russia from Latvian territory, are untrue. We officially deny them.

Echoing Latvia's denial, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhiy Tychyy, has labeled the Russian claims as baseless and part of a deliberate effort to sow discord and undermine confidence in the Baltic region. Tychyy stressed that Ukraine does not utilize Latvian territory for its military operations and has no intention of doing so. He thanked Latvia for recognizing the nature of these Russian provocations.

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Ukraine does not use and does not intend to use the territory or airspace of Latvia in its operations against Russia.

This incident highlights a pattern of increasingly bizarre and unsubstantiated claims emanating from the SVR under Sergey Naryshkin's leadership. BBC Russian Service special correspondent Ilya Barabanov notes that even staunchly pro-Russian "Z" channels have mocked recent SVR statements, which have included bizarre accusations against the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and warnings to EU leaders about nuclear weapons. Such rhetoric, once confined to fringe political figures, is now being amplified by Russia's intelligence apparatus, raising concerns about its intentions and the potential for escalation, particularly in the sensitive Baltic region.

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Russia’s statements are part of broader propaganda efforts aimed at undermining public confidence in Latvia and the Baltic region.