Latvia in the spotlight after drone incidents near its borders and tensions with Russia; Baltic state near Estonia/Lithuania, EU/NATO member.
Russian-Australian historian Andrei Lankov was detained and expelled from Latvia while preparing to give a lecture on North Korea. Latvia's authorities reportedly blacklisted him, citing concerns over his views. Lankov, who lives in Seoul, believes his objective analysis of North Korea led to his ban. He is now in Estonia.
Israel has restricted outbound flights from Ben Gurion Airport to one per hour with 50 passengers, due to Iranian missile threats. Many international airlines have canceled or suspended flights, disrupting Passover travel plans. Israeli carriers are shifting some operations to neighboring airports in Egypt and Jordan.
European infrastructure faces a surge of sabotage and cyberattacks linked to Russia since 2022. Incidents include arson, cyberattacks on utilities, and railway sabotage during major events, aiming to undermine support for Ukraine, spread discord, and drain resources. Authorities warn of Moscow's increasingly aggressive posture.
Russia's Belgorod region experienced power outages affecting 450,000 people due to Ukrainian drone and missile attacks. Ukraine's energy infrastructure also suffered damage, with nearly 150,000 in Chernihiv without power after Russian strikes. Both sides continue military actions, including drone attacks targeting energy facilities and urban centers.
Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Russian territory in over four years, targeting 13 regions and Crimea, following Russia's extensive bombardment of Ukraine with nearly 1,000 drones and missiles. The attack highlights Ukraine's growing drone capabilities amid ongoing conflict.
Estonia and Latvia reported drone incursions from Russian airspace, with Estonia's drone striking a power station chimney. Latvia's drone may be Ukrainian, and incidents coincide with Ukrainian attacks on Russia. No casualties or damage reported, but regional tensions escalate.
Ukraine launched long-range drone attacks on Russian Baltic ports, halting over 40% of Russia's oil exports. Russia responded with large-scale missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, escalating the conflict. The US issued a waiver allowing Russian oil sales, drawing criticism from Ukraine and European allies. Tensions rise as both sides prepare for further escalation.
Multiple Ukrainian drones have entered Finnish, Estonian, and Latvian airspace, with some crashing and carrying unexploded warheads. Finland and Estonia confirmed the incidents, which are linked to Ukraine's recent drone attacks on Russian targets. Finland has responded by cordoning off areas and detonation of debris.
Russia has been linked to over 150 cyber and sabotage incidents across Europe since February 2022. Recent attacks include a failed attempt on a Swedish heating plant and previous operations on Polish power grids, water utilities, and Latvian railway infrastructure. Western officials warn these actions aim to undermine support for Ukraine and spread discord.
EU leaders are actively working to define the bloc's mutual assistance provisions under Article 42.7 of the Treaty of Lisbon. This effort responds to recent security concerns, including threats to NATO and regional incidents, and aims to clarify how member states will support each other in crises, especially for non-NATO members like Cyprus.
Latvian officials have reported two drones crashing on Latvian soil, one sparking a brief fire at an oil storage facility. Latvia’s defense minister says the drones were likely Ukrainian and headed toward Russian targets. Russia has accused Ukraine of using Latvian airspace to attack St. Petersburg, a claim Latvia denies as it summons Russia’s chargé d’affaires.
Latvia’s center-right prime minister has resigned over drone incidents at the edge of Latvian airspace, triggering talks on a new government. President Rinkevics is meeting party representatives as lawmakers consider Kulbergs, the leader of the United List, to form a coalition pending parliamentary approval. Ukraine says it will assist Latvia with air defences.
Bulgaria has won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with Dara's Bangaranga, finishing on 516 points. Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second on 343 points amid protests and a five-country boycott over Israel's war in Gaza. Organisers have tightened voting rules after allegations of organised voting for Israel.
Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks on Russia, with several drones straying into the airspace of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Baltic states have reported incidents, with some drones being shot down or diverted by NATO air defenses. Latvia’s government has fallen amid controversy over drone incursions, while Estonia and Lithuania have seen similar disturbances, prompting calls for tighter controls and better coordination with Kyiv.
Lawmakers on both sides have pushed for updates on $400 million in Ukraine aid and $200 million for Baltic defense programs, accusing the Pentagon of delays after a May 15 deadline. The dispute comes amid broader criticism of the administration's handling of Ukraine and European security.