Latvia is a NATO frontline country that shares borders with Russia and Belarus, so Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks had a lot to discuss when they met today in Riga, Latvia.
While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dominated the talks, the leaders also talked about plans to implement decisions made at the Madrid NATO summit in June and bilateral relations between the United States and Latvia.
“I am visiting at a critical time for Europe and the world,” Austin said at a press conference after a meeting at the defense ministry. “As we stand here today, Russia continues its cruel and unprovoked war of choice against Ukraine. Russian forces are indiscriminately killing civilians and destroying civil infrastructure throughout the country. And as Ukrainians fight heroically to defend themselves, they show that they demand and deserve live in freedom and not under the Russian boot.”
Latvia is a small country that is vulnerable to Russian attacks. During the Madrid NATO Summit, alliance leaders recognized Russian aggression as “the most significant and immediate threat to the security of our allies and to peace and stability in Europe,” Austin said. “President [Vladimir] Putin thought he would divide the NATO alliance with his aggression. But, in fact, he achieved just the opposite”.
The United States has approximately 600 troops in Latvia, with some members of the NATO Battle Group in the county and the rest in the country for bilateral purposes. The leaders of the alliance decided to increase the number of troops in the region and increase their capabilities due to Russian aggression against Ukraine.
“The NATO alliance is more united and stronger than ever,” Austin said. He said President Joe Biden signed US legislation to allow Finland and Sweden to join the alliance. “We encourage the remaining NATO allies to conclude their own ratification process quickly,” he said. “And I look forward to working with Sweden and Finland as members of the strongest defense alliance in history.”
The United States will increase its presence in the country in the future, and Austin assured Latvia that it will include his country. “Let’s be clear,” he said. “We seek no confrontation and pose no threat to Russia. Our updated attitude simply reflects our ongoing and solemn commitment to Article Five [of the NATO Treaty] – an attack on one NATO ally is an attack on every NATO ally. And our new attitude. Position us to respond quickly and decisively to the security challenges of today and in the years to come.
Latvia saw the Russian invasion as a do-or-die event. “The result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine should … [have] only one result, which means that Russia should lose and Ukraine should win,” said Pabriks. Russia cannot be allowed to even have a stalemate in Ukraine because Russia will just wait until it rebuilds its forces and attack again, he said.
Latvia also borders Belarus, which allows Russia to launch an attack on Ukraine. Pabriks said that this shows that Belarus is a partner of Russia, and that Belarus will be united with Russia when Russia decides to do so.
Russia has committed most of its most capable forces to its Ukraine offensive. “As a result, they have lost quite a bit of important equipment, tanks and mechanized vehicles,” said Austin. “They also lost [a number of] people killed and wounded.”
However, Russia has significant military capabilities – especially in the air and sea domains, the secretary said. “We never want to lose that. But, again, you know, Russia will try to … “Sanctions and some trade restrictions will make it a little difficult.”
Latvia and the United States “stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the democratically elected government,” Austin said. “So, we will continue to work together to provide Ukraine with the military equipment it needs to defend itself. And we will continue to stand strong with our NATO allies. And we will continue to stand up [to] Russia. Attack democracy and sovereignty and the rules-based international order.” .”
