Tag: Latvia

Democracies Must Align Against Authoritarian Challenge: Latvian Foreign Minister

The Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs has used his first official visit to Australia to call for democracies around the world to align against authoritarian regimes. Speaking at a joint press conference on Aug. 8 with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Rinkēvičs said the current Latvian government believes democracies are being challenged by authoritarian regimes. “We…


Russian Energy Corporation Gazprom Cuts Off Gas to Latvia

MOSCOW—Russia’s state-owned natural gas corporation said Saturday it has halted shipments to Latvia because of contract violations. In a brief statement, gas giant Gazprom said the shipments were stopped because Latvia broke “terms for extraction of gas.” It did not elaborate. The statement likely referred to a refusal to meet Russia’s demand for gas payments…


Canada in Talks With NATO Allies About Boosting Military Forces in Latvia

Ottawa is talking with allies about boosting a Canadian-led combat unit in Latvia as the NATO military alliance moves to reinforce its eastern front with Russia. Latvia’s ambassador to Canada revealed the discussions in an interview with The Canadian Press today as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prepares to attend a NATO summit where Russia and…


Latvia Seeks Canadian Support for Expanded, Permanent NATO Presence in Baltics

Latvia’s prime minister is in Ottawa today seeking Canada’s support for an expanded, permanent NATO force in his country and fellow Baltic states Lithuania and Estonia. In an interview, Krišjānis Kariņš says such an enhanced military presence will send a strong signal to Russia not to consider invading. Kariņš is expected to convey his request…


Canada Extends Military Mission in Latvia as War Rages in Ukraine

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau concluded his visit to Latvia today where he announced his government was renewing its military operation in the country a year in advance to support NATO. “This mission was set to expire next year and in light of the situation in Europe, we decided to renew it ahead of schedule,” Trudeau…


Trudeau to Meet NATO Leader in Latvia After Pledging Support to Baltic Leaders

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived Tuesday at one of NATO’s military bases on the Russian border after telling three Baltic leaders that Canada will stand with them to fight the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine and its cyberattacks on their countries. “You are literally on the front lines of this challenge with Russia,” he said earlier…


Olympians Break Silence on China as Teams Take Medals Home

Had it been up to him, Latvia’s luge coach Martins Rubenis would have preferred to never make the trip to the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. Indeed, he didn’t know if he would even be allowed into China until the very last moment. A two-time Olympic bronze medalist, Rubenis was already known to the Latvian Chinese…


‘My Heart Aches Watching This’: Athletes Speak Out on Human Rights as Beijing Olympics Come to an End

Had it been up to him, Latvia’s luge coach Martins Rubenis would have preferred to never make the trip to the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. Indeed, he didn’t know if he would even be allowed into China until the very last moment. A two-time Olympic bronze medalist, Rubenis was already known to the Latvian Chinese…


Latvia Hopes Canada Will Extend, Expand Military Mission Amid Tensions With Russia

OTTAWA—Latvia is crossing its fingers that it is up next after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this week that Canada is extending and expanding its military mission in Ukraine in response to concerns about Russia. In an interview, Latvian Ambassador to Canada Karlis Eihenbaums said his countrymen are grateful for the 600 Canadian soldiers currently…


Baltic Nations Send US-Made Weapons to Ukraine Amid Russian Threat

Baltic nations Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are sending U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine to boost military support amid a threat of a Russian invasion. It comes as Russia has sent an estimated 100,000 troops with tanks and other heavy weapons to its borders with Ukraine’s northeast, but denies it is planning an attack. The defense ministers of the three…