On June 25, 2026, NATO deputy chiefs met in Riga with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže to discuss security and defense issues shortly before the NATO summit in Turkey. The meeting was motivated by recent drone incursions into Latvian airspace, prompting a focus on bolstering Latvia's air defense and anti-drone capabilities. NATO representatives emphasized monitoring Russia’s actions and adapting measures accordingly. Scott Bray, NATO deputy chief for intelligence and security, identified Russia as the most direct and persistent threat to Euro-Atlantic security, citing reckless drone activities that also threaten commercial aviation. Nick Katzaras, deputy chief for defense policy and planning, stressed NATO’s serious attention to Latvia’s security needs and the possibility of increased support in the eastern border region. Braže highlighted the importance of achieving consensus at the upcoming Ankara summit on threats and response measures, including enhanced allied presence and air defense in the region. Braže also addressed concerns about recent reports linking a Latvian company to supplying clothing to the Russian military, affirming imminent import bans and ongoing investigations by Latvian authorities.

On June 25, 2026, NATO deputy chiefs met in Riga with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže to discuss security and defense issues shortly before the NATO summit in Turkey. The meeting was motivated by recent drone incursions into Latvian airspace, prompting a focus on bolstering Latvia's air defense and anti-drone capabilities. NATO representatives emphasized monitoring Russia’s actions and adapting measures accordingly. Scott Bray, NATO deputy chief for intelligence and security, identified Russia as the most direct and persistent threat to Euro-Atlantic security, citing reckless drone activities that also threaten commercial aviation. Nick Katzaras, deputy chief for defense policy and planning, stressed NATO’s serious attention to Latvia’s security needs and the possibility of increased support in the eastern border region. Braže highlighted the importance of achieving consensus at the upcoming Ankara summit on threats and response measures, including enhanced allied presence and air defense in the region. Braže also addressed concerns about recent reports linking a Latvian company to supplying clothing to the Russian military, affirming imminent import bans and ongoing investigations by Latvian authorities.