Latvian Defence Minister resigns after Ukrainian drones strike oil facilities
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RIGA, Latvia (AP) — Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds resigned on Saturday following a direct demand from Prime Minister Evika Silina after Ukrainian drones struck oil storage facilities within the Baltic nation's borders.
The resignation comes one day after two unmanned aerial vehicles crossed from Russian territory and hit critical energy infrastructure in Latvia. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict, raising concerns about the security of NATO member states.
Prime Minister Silina announced the decision during a press conference in Riga, citing the failure to deploy anti-drone systems quickly enough to intercept the incoming threats. "The safety of our citizens and the integrity of our infrastructure are paramount," Silina stated. "The current leadership in the Ministry of Defence has not demonstrated the capacity to respond to this level of threat."
Spruds, who has held the position since 2024, accepted the responsibility for the security lapse. In a brief statement released through his office, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed regret over the incident. "I take full responsibility for the failure to protect our territory," Spruds said. "My resignation is intended to allow for a swift restructuring of our defence capabilities."
The drone strike occurred late Friday evening, causing significant damage to the oil storage facilities. Emergency services responded immediately to contain the fire and prevent further environmental contamination. No casualties were reported, though the incident has raised alarms about the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure to cross-border attacks.
Latvia, a member of NATO, has been on high alert since the conflict began. The alliance has repeatedly warned that an attack on one member is an attack on all. However, the incident has sparked debate over the adequacy of current defence measures and the speed of response mechanisms.
The resignation leaves a vacancy in a key cabinet position at a time of heightened tension. President Edgars Rinkēvičs is expected to appoint an interim defence minister while the government searches for a permanent replacement. The process is likely to be expedited given the urgent need to bolster anti-drone defences.
Questions remain about the origin of the drones and the extent of the damage to the oil facilities. While initial reports suggest the drones originated from Russian territory, the full investigation is ongoing. Additionally, the economic impact of the strike on Latvia's energy sector is yet to be fully assessed.
The incident has also prompted calls for increased military support from NATO allies. Defence ministers from across the alliance are expected to convene in the coming days to discuss enhanced security measures for Baltic states.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on restoring confidence in Latvia's defence capabilities and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The resignation of Defence Minister Spruds is a clear signal that the government is taking decisive action to address the security challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.