Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis stated in an interview with LETA on July 29, 2026, that a direct military/conventional Russian attack on NATO is currently not possible. Russia is considered strategically stuck in Ukraine, which is successfully defending and disrupting Russian logistics and attacks. Any large-scale Russian offensive near the Baltics would be detected early by NATO, and would also expose Russia to Ukrainian counter-operations. Russia, however, is already implementing smaller-scale provocations, including weaponizing illegal immigration. The Latvian armed forces and internal security services are prepared to detect, arrest, or neutralize any such provocations, including the so-called 'little green men'—masked Russian troops without insignia used notably during Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea. Minister Melnis emphasized readiness to destroy drones and neutralize provocateurs, asserting no current presence of 'little green men' or drones in Latvia. He highlighted NATO's efforts to strengthen forces to deter and defeat Russia, cautioning preparedness for potential future provocations or defense needs.

Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis stated in an interview with LETA on July 29, 2026, that a direct military/conventional Russian attack on NATO is currently not possible. Russia is considered strategically stuck in Ukraine, which is successfully defending and disrupting Russian logistics and attacks. Any large-scale Russian offensive near the Baltics would be detected early by NATO, and would also expose Russia to Ukrainian counter-operations. Russia, however, is already implementing smaller-scale provocations, including weaponizing illegal immigration. The Latvian armed forces and internal security services are prepared to detect, arrest, or neutralize any such provocations, including the so-called 'little green men'—masked Russian troops without insignia used notably during Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea. Minister Melnis emphasized readiness to destroy drones and neutralize provocateurs, asserting no current presence of 'little green men' or drones in Latvia. He highlighted NATO's efforts to strengthen forces to deter and defeat Russia, cautioning preparedness for potential future provocations or defense needs.