Latvia issues protest note to Russia over drone airspace violation

Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a protest note to Russia on May 7 over an incident earlier that morning involving unmanned aerial vehicles in the Latgale region.

According to the ministry, several drones on May 7 entered the municipalities of Rēzekne, Balvi and Ludza from Russian airspace, Caliber.Az reports.

Latvia said Russia’s war against Ukraine is creating broader regional security risks.

It also rejected what it called false Russian claims that Latvian airspace had ever been authorised for drone attacks on Russian territory, insisting the drones had entered Latvia from Russia.

During the meeting, Latvia also condemned reported Russian threats of a large-scale strike on Kyiv on May 9, including warnings concerning foreign embassies in the Ukrainian capital.

The ministry reiterated that Russia’s war of aggression constitutes a serious breach of international law and the UN Charter, and renewed its demand for the withdrawal of Russian forces from all internationally recognised Ukrainian territory.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov