NATO fighters shoot down drone over Latvia
Riga, June 8
A drone was shot down by a NATO fighter aircraft on Monday in Latvia after an air alert over the regions of Rezica and Ludza in the east of the country, local media reported.
Last month, the violation of Latvian airspace by drones had triggered a political crisis that led to the resignation of the Minister of Defence and the subsequent resignation of Prime Minister Evika Silina, Italian news agency Adnkronos reported.
The drone on Monday was intercepted by French fighter jets from the NATO Baltic Air Policing operation. Russia has recently intensified the diversion, with electronic jamming, of Ukrainian drones over the Baltic countries.
Adnkronos reported that 155 drones were launched from Moscow overnight, and Ukrainian defence forces shot down 124 of them. The command of the Ukrainian Air Force wrote on Telegram that the drones were shot down in the north, south, and east of the country.
The leaders of Britain, France and Germany, collectively known as the E3, have voiced support for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia aimed at achieving a ceasefire and advancing peace negotiations, following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement with Zelensky after the meeting on Sunday, saying they backed direct Ukraine-Russia talks with the active participation of the United States and Europe.
The four leaders called for an immediate and complete ceasefire, saying the current line of contact should serve as the starting point for negotiations, reports Xinhua news agency.
According to the statement, Europe should play an important role in the peace process, with relevant efforts conducted in close coordination with Ukraine, European partners and the United States.
The leaders also discussed post-ceasefire security arrangements for Ukraine. The statement said European security interests should be safeguarded in any agreement and noted that matters relating to the European Union and NATO would require the consent of their respective members.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This constant tension in the Baltics is exhausting. 155 drones in one night is insane! Ukraine's defence forces did well to intercept most, but the diversion into Latvia shows how messy this war has become. I just hope diplomacy works this time, not just more missiles.
Interesting how the E3 leaders now want direct talks with Russia. Better late than never, but Ukraine needs real security guarantees, not just a ceasefire on current lines. That would mean accepting occupied territories as status quo, which won't work. India's balanced position seems more sensible every day.
From a neutral perspective, I feel sad for the people of Latvia and Ukraine caught in this crossfire. War always hurts civilians first. E3's call for peace is good, but where was this when the war started? India has always advocated for dialogue, and it's high time the West listens. 🙏
As someone living in a NATO country, I'm relieved the defence systems worked. But honestly, this situation is scary—drones being used as weapons of intimidation. The political fallout in Latvia shows how fragile these governments can be. A solid peace deal is the only way out.
I wish the media would focus more on the human cost rather than just the military maneuvers. The prime minister resigning over a drone crisis shows how destabilizing this is. And the E3 statement feels like another round of empty promises. Let's hope common sense prevails before more lives are lost.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.