Latvia faces escalating hybrid warfare threats, including drone incursions from Belarus, prompting a Canadian-led NATO mission to increase military presence near Russian and Belarusian borders. On August 14, 2026, a drone loaded with explosives violated Latvian airspace near Daugavpils and was shot down by NATO jets. Tensions led to the resignation of Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina in May 2026. Canadian troops, numbering 1,500-1,600 and stationed since 2017 in Adazi, are now redeploying closer to border areas, with a permanent platoon stationed in Daugavpils—a city with a strong Russian-speaking population. NATO officials describe the security situation as a 'hybrid war.' Latvian officials and NATO commanders emphasize deterrence and preparedness against potential Russian aggression, while noting the difficulty in attribution of some hostile acts, including drone flights potentially manipulated by Russian jamming. Latvia’s population is divided in sentiment towards NATO, with Latvian speakers generally supportive and many Russian speakers cautious or opposed, influenced by Russian propaganda and feelings of discrimination under Latvian national policies. A drone threat coincided with Latvia's 825th Riga anniversary celebrations including NATO public events.

Latvia faces escalating hybrid warfare threats, including drone incursions from Belarus, prompting a Canadian-led NATO mission to increase military presence near Russian and Belarusian borders. On August 14, 2026, a drone loaded with explosives violated Latvian airspace near Daugavpils and was shot down by NATO jets. Tensions led to the resignation of Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina in May 2026. Canadian troops, numbering 1,500-1,600 and stationed since 2017 in Adazi, are now redeploying closer to border areas, with a permanent platoon stationed in Daugavpils—a city with a strong Russian-speaking population. NATO officials describe the security situation as a 'hybrid war.' Latvian officials and NATO commanders emphasize deterrence and preparedness against potential Russian aggression, while noting the difficulty in attribution of some hostile acts, including drone flights potentially manipulated by Russian jamming. Latvia’s population is divided in sentiment towards NATO, with Latvian speakers generally supportive and many Russian speakers cautious or opposed, influenced by Russian propaganda and feelings of discrimination under Latvian national policies. A drone threat coincided with Latvia's 825th Riga anniversary celebrations including NATO public events.