On August 14, 2026, a drone loaded with explosives from Belarus violated Latvian airspace near Daugavpils and was shot down by NATO fighter jets, with no reported injuries. The event follows multiple drone incursions triggering Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina's resignation in May 2026. Canadian Col. David Brassard, commanding NATO's Multinational Brigade in Latvia since June 10, 2026, reported three drones shot down since his tenure began. Some drones were Ukrainian models diverted by Russian jamming. NATO officials describe the situation as 'hybrid war'. The Canadian mission, operating since 2017 with 1,500-1,600 troops stationed primarily at Adazi base, is expanding deployments to strategic locations including a permanent platoon in Russian-speaking Daugavpils (approximately 80% Russian speakers). Russian speakers in Latvia (30% nationally) feel discriminated against due to restricted Russian language policies, a factor exploited by Russian propaganda. The Canadian presence is generally supported by Latvian speakers but is viewed with skepticism locally in Daugavpils. Former Latvian national security adviser Janis Kazocins considers a conventional Russian attack unlikely but warns of Kremlin ambitions to control the Baltics. Young Latvians express readiness to defend their country. The reported drone incursion occurred on the eve of Riga's 825th anniversary, amid public NATO displays. The article, published August 22, 2026 at 23:06 UTC by The Canadian Press, includes multiple official statements from Col. Brassard, Maj.-Gen. Arnoud Stallmann, Janis Kazocins, and local citizen testimonies.

On August 14, 2026, a drone loaded with explosives from Belarus violated Latvian airspace near Daugavpils and was shot down by NATO fighter jets, with no reported injuries. The event follows multiple drone incursions triggering Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina's resignation in May 2026. Canadian Col. David Brassard, commanding NATO's Multinational Brigade in Latvia since June 10, 2026, reported three drones shot down since his tenure began. Some drones were Ukrainian models diverted by Russian jamming. NATO officials describe the situation as 'hybrid war'. The Canadian mission, operating since 2017 with 1,500-1,600 troops stationed primarily at Adazi base, is expanding deployments to strategic locations including a permanent platoon in Russian-speaking Daugavpils (approximately 80% Russian speakers). Russian speakers in Latvia (30% nationally) feel discriminated against due to restricted Russian language policies, a factor exploited by Russian propaganda. The Canadian presence is generally supported by Latvian speakers but is viewed with skepticism locally in Daugavpils. Former Latvian national security adviser Janis Kazocins considers a conventional Russian attack unlikely but warns of Kremlin ambitions to control the Baltics. Young Latvians express readiness to defend their country. The reported drone incursion occurred on the eve of Riga's 825th anniversary, amid public NATO displays. The article, published August 22, 2026 at 23:06 UTC by The Canadian Press, includes multiple official statements from Col. Brassard, Maj.-Gen. Arnoud Stallmann, Janis Kazocins, and local citizen testimonies.