Mandatory service in the Latvian army came into force at the beginning of January 2024, just a few weeks before the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Latvia introduced mandatory conscription into the army to deter Russian aggression
Latvia re-introduced compulsory military service for men of a certain age to deter Russia from invading Europe.
This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Krishjanis Karinsh, reports The Telegraph.
Mandatory service entered into force at the beginning of January 2024.
We presented the project again. We are using this to increase the size of our active and ready reserve, — stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kristianis Karinsh.
All male citizens between 18 and 27 will be required to serve a year, including those living abroad.
Latvia wants to prepare for a possible war
Those who refuse to serve could be fined or jailed, although some exceptions will apply, including for people with health problems, single parents and those with dual citizenship who have served overseas, it said in the material.
It is noted that Latvia seeks to increase its defence readiness by expanding its reserve forces and replenishing its arsenal of weapons in light of Russian aggression.
Strengthening the defence is now sending the Russian Federation a signal that the bases of Latvia and its European allies are covered, Karinsh believes.
K. Karinsh
Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
The foreign minister said that Russia needs to understand that European defence is fully operational and that it is impossible to achieve any gains without huge losses and to ensure that no gains are possible.
We must be in such a state of readiness that Russian generals and Russian political classes clearly see that movement towards Europe is impossible, he said.
What plans does Latvia have?
Imagine the positive outcome of the Ukrainian war — the entire Ukrainian territory will be liberated, and the war will end. But Russia remains a threat that day, Karinsh said.
He also added that he does not currently see any direct military threat to any NATO member, and many arguments suggest that it is challenging to imagine. However, the country still wants to prepare and is not due to fear.
In Latvia, conscripts will receive a monthly salary of up to 300 euros and be housed in army barracks. They will be allowed to take leave of up to one month.
Karinsh said that the conscripts will be gathered into professional units to learn the necessary skills and be thoroughly equipped for combat operations. Latvia plans to have a combat-ready force of 61 thousand people, divided into active troops and reserve units.
NATO is preparing for a possible escalation of relations with the Russian Federation
The head of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, said the Alliance needs transformation. The West must prepare for an Alliance era in which anything can happen at a time, including the start of war.
His remarks came against the backdrop of the delay or limitation of military aid to Ukraine from the United States and the European Union.
Earlier, the German publication Bild wrote that NATO will hold large-scale exercises in February with the participation of about 90,000 military personnel. The scenario of the exercises is an attack by the Russian Federation on the Alliance's territory.
The day before, the head of the Military Committee of the NorAlliancetic Alliance, Admiral Rob Bauer, after yesterday's meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council, which discussed, in particular, the countermeasures of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation against large-scale military aggression of the Russian Federation, called on the world community not to fall into pessimism.
