Latvia PM Quits After Political Storm Over Stray Ukrainian Drones

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina has announced her resignation following a political crisis linked to the handling of suspected Ukrainian drones that crossed into Latvian territory.

The resignation came after tensions inside the ruling coalition escalated over several drone incidents near Latvia’s border with Russia. One of the drones reportedly exploded at an oil storage facility, raising concerns about national security and Latvia’s air defense preparedness.

The controversy deepened after Defence Minister Andris Spruds was forced to step down amid criticism over the government’s response to the drone incursions. His resignation triggered the withdrawal of support from the Progressives Party, leaving Silina’s coalition without a parliamentary majority.

In a televised statement, Silina said she was resigning but insisted she was “not giving up” politically. The resignation comes only months before Latvia’s scheduled general elections in October, increasing uncertainty in the country’s political landscape.

Reports indicate that the drones were believed to have been launched by Ukraine toward targets inside Russia before straying into Latvian airspace, possibly due to electronic interference. Officials in Latvia and neighboring Baltic countries have been increasingly worried about the spillover effects of the ongoing Russia Ukraine war.

Latvian authorities stated that no casualties were reported in the drone incidents, but the events exposed what critics described as serious weaknesses in the country’s air defense system. The political fallout has now led to the collapse of the government coalition.

President Edgars Rinkevics is expected to begin consultations with political parties to appoint a new prime minister and stabilize the government ahead of the upcoming elections.

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