AGP Executive Report

Baltic Drone Tensions: Latvia and NATO kept issuing and then lifting air-threat alerts after suspected drone activity tied to the wider Ukraine–Russia conflict, with Lithuania later lifting its own alert after a suspected drone near Vilnius diverted. Policy Shift: Latvia’s Crisis Management Centre says the threat-level system may need a rethink because repeated drone warnings have been disrupting schools, transport, and daily life. Diplomatic Clash at the UN: Russia again claimed Ukraine could launch drone strikes from Latvia and other Baltic states; Latvia and the U.S. rejected the claims, warning the Security Council isn’t for threats. Defense Posture: NATO’s top officer said the U.S. doesn’t expect further troop drawdowns beyond the 5,000 already announced, as Washington withdraws and delays deployments. Weather Watch: Rain and fog are expected to linger across Latvia into the weekend, with isolated thunderstorms possible.

Baltic Drone Row: Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Ukraine’s foreign ministry both rejected Russia’s latest claim that Riga allowed Kyiv to launch drone strikes from Latvian territory, as NATO jets kept shooting down drones over Estonia and the region issued fresh air alerts. NATO Response: NATO confirmed it’s investigating the Estonian incident and says its air policing system worked as intended. Diplomatic Fallout: Latvia summoned a Russian diplomat again over “blatant misinformation,” while Russia’s UN envoy warned there are “no signals” from Ukraine for conflict talks. Regional Security: Belarus and Russia began joint nuclear drills near NATO borders, prompting renewed concern in Kyiv and among Baltic allies. Business & Culture: Mistral AI agreed to buy an Austrian startup co-founded by Latvian entrepreneur Miks Miksons; Riga’s tourist tax is set to rise to two euros, and Latvia’s beach volleyball teams won at home. Sports: Austria beat Latvia 3-1 at the ice hockey worlds; Norway blanked Italy 4-0.

Ukraine-Russia Tensions: Latvia is again in the spotlight as Russian foreign intelligence claims Ukraine plans to launch drone attacks from Baltic territory, arguing it would be hard to pinpoint launch sites. Nuclear Drills Alarm: Russia and Belarus have kicked off massive nuclear weapons drills, with UN Security Council talks underway as Putin heads to China. Baltic Drone Fallout: Lithuania found suspected Ukrainian drone wreckage after a crash; authorities say there were no signs of an explosion and that radars didn’t detect it. Latvia Politics: Andris Kulbergs says New Unity won’t stay dominant and is pushing for a broad coalition as Latvia’s government reshuffles after Evika Siliņa’s resignation. Weather Watch: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in parts of Latvia Tuesday, with fog reducing visibility. Tourism: Foreign tourism in Latvia fell in Q1, while domestic travel grew. Business & Transport: Virši got approval to expand its fuel station network, and airBaltic route updates point to new services in 2027.

Drone Fallout in the Baltics: Lithuania is still investigating a crashed military UAV found near Semane in Utena County, with officials saying no explosion signs were detected and radars didn’t spot it entering airspace; early indications suggest it was likely Ukrainian, and investigators are now mapping how it got in and whether detection gaps were exploited. Latvia’s Political Shockwaves: Latvia’s coalition crisis deepened after Prime Minister Evika Siliņa resigned, following disputes over stray Ukrainian drones; the fallout continues as State Chancellery director Raivis Kronbergs has left his post. Security & War Context: Belarus and Russia launched joint drills to practice nuclear weapons use, while Russia denies claims it is attacking NATO via Belarus. Ukraine Support: Ukraine’s energy ministry says 3,200+ power equipment units have arrived since the start of 2026, with more expected. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: Europol backed an operation targeting a €240m fake medicines network across Eastern Europe. Business & Daily Life: Virši-A won Competition Council approval to take over 17 Astarte service stations, boosting its network to 101.

Airspace Alert, NATO Jets: Latvia declared a multi-region air alert after suspected drone activity, with NATO Baltic Air Policing fighters scrambled and extra air-defence assets reinforced along the eastern border. Ukraine Drone Fallout: Ukraine says long-range drones hit targets in Russia’s Moscow region over the weekend, while a separate report says a drone crash in Lithuania may have involved a Ukrainian military UAV. Politics in Focus: Prime minister-designate Andris Kulbergs says he wants a broad coalition and personally take responsibility for Rail Baltica and airBaltic. Cash Rebate Funding: Latvia approved additional money for its cash rebate scheme. Weather Watch: Rain and thunderstorms are expected early in the week across Latvia. Sports: Latvia beat Germany 2-0 at the IIHF World Championship, and the U.S. rebounded with a 5-1 win over Britain. Crime Crackdown: A Europe-wide fake medicines network was dismantled in coordinated raids.

Drone Tensions Escalate: Latvia issued a multi-region air alert after an unidentified UAV crossed into Latvian airspace from Russia; NATO Baltic Air Policing fighters were scrambled and the threat was later reported as cleared when the drone exited. Political Fallout: The drone crisis continues to reshape Latvian politics—President Edgars Rinkēvičs has nominated opposition leader Andris Kulbergs to form a new government after PM Evika Silina’s resignation. Ukraine War Echoes: The wider backdrop remains intense, with reports of hundreds of Ukrainian drones hitting Russia overnight and Zelensky warning of possible Russian operations from Belarus that could threaten NATO’s eastern flank. Sports—Hockey: At the IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, defending champion USA bounced back with a 5-1 win over Britain, while Latvia prepares for its next match against Germany. Riga Life: The Rimi Riga Marathon drew a record 46,313 runners from 116 countries, keeping the city’s running boom firmly on track.

Latvia Government Shake-Up: Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs has nominated opposition lawmaker Andris Kulbergs to form a new government after Prime Minister Evika Siliņa resigned over a drone-incursion row, with Kulbergs given until May 25 to build a majority coalition. Ukraine War Update: Ukraine says more than 500 drones hit Russia overnight, killing three, as Moscow claims 556 drones were shot down across multiple regions. Eurovision Finale: Bulgaria won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with Dara’s “Bangaranga,” while Latvia’s Atvara failed to qualify for the final and the UK’s Look Mum No Computer finished with just 1 point. NATO & Procurement: NATO is pushing faster, shared procurement for compatible defense gear, including a counter-drone marketplace, as it tests concepts in the Crystal Arrow exercise across northern Latvia. Sports: Latvia opened the IIHF World Championship with a 2–4 loss to Switzerland, with Rūdolfs Balcers scoring both goals.

Eurovision 2026: The final is live in Vienna tonight, with Latvia out after Atvara failed to qualify from the second semi-final; the lineup includes Ukraine, Australia, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and others, while several countries are boycotting over Israel’s participation. Latvian Politics: Latvia’s coalition has collapsed and President Edgars Rinkēvičs has tasked opposition MP Andris Kulbergs (United List) with forming an interim government after PM Evika Siliņa resigned over the handling of stray Ukrainian drones. Security & Drones: The drone crisis is still driving the agenda, as Zelenskyy warns Russia could act from Belarus toward both Ukraine and NATO territory—raising fresh pressure on air-defense readiness. Hockey: Canada opened the IIHF Worlds with a 6-0 shutout of Italy, led by teen captain Macklin Celebrini’s two goals; Latvia’s campaign begins against Switzerland. Defense Spending: At the Lennart Meri conference, Estonia’s defense minister warned weapon prices are rising fast—up to 50%—as Europe rearmament ramps up.

Latvia’s Political Shock: Evika Siliņa resigned after coalition talks collapsed over Ukrainian drones that strayed into Latvian airspace, exposing gaps in air defence and triggering the dismissal of Defence Minister Andris Sprūds. Ukraine–Russia Escalation: Kyiv says Russia is weighing attacks from Belarus territory and continues massive missile/drone barrages, while Ukraine vows “entirely justified” retaliation against Russian energy and military targets. UN Push for Emergency Action: Latvia led a bid for an emergency UN Security Council meeting over escalating Russian strikes on civilians and critical infrastructure. NATO Focus: Canada’s brigade in Latvia is shifting from “tripwire” deterrence toward credible forward defence. Riga & Beyond: Spring Storm 2026 in Estonia is training reservists for drone warfare using civilian tech, and Riga’s marathon is set to draw 45,000 runners from nearly 120 countries this weekend. Eurovision Tonight: The 2026 Grand Final is in Vienna, with Latvia eliminated in the semis.

Latvia’s Political Shock: Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned after her coalition collapsed over how stray Ukrainian drones were handled, following the sacking of Defence Minister Andris Spruds and a rapid loss of parliamentary support—leaving a caretaker government as President Rinkevics consults parties. Drone Tensions on the Eastern Flank: Zelenskiy warned Russia may be weighing attacks from Belarus toward Ukraine or even a NATO country, while Finland stood down a Helsinki-area drone alarm after fighter jets were scrambled and the airport briefly closed. Ukraine Under Fire: Russia hit Kyiv again with missiles and drones, killing at least 24 and injuring dozens, as Ukraine launched long-range drone strikes in response. NATO Posture Shift: Canada’s Latvia brigade says it has moved beyond “tripwire” deterrence toward forward, credible defense. Justice Push: 36 countries backed a special tribunal to prosecute Vladimir Putin for aggression, calling it a “point of no return.” Riga & Beyond: Rimi Riga Marathon is set for a record 45,000+ runners, and Eurovision’s final is set after DARA qualified for Bulgaria.

Latvia’s political shock: Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned after her coalition collapsed when the Progressives withdrew support over the handling of “stray” Ukrainian drones that hit an oil facility in eastern Latvia, triggering the earlier forced exit of Defence Minister Andris Spruds and leaving the government without a majority. Airspace disruption: Another air threat alert hit eastern districts overnight, but the danger was later declared over; schools and trains were disrupted in Latgale during the alerts. Security cooperation: Ukraine says it will send air-defence experts to Latvia and sign a drone deal to strengthen layered protection, after investigations pointed to Russian electronic warfare diverting drones. Border logistics: Latvia’s eastern border electronic queue system is now working better at Terehova, with queues far shorter than before. Eurovision: Latvia’s Atvara failed to qualify for the final, while the grand final lineup was set after the second semi-final, including Cyprus’ Antigoni and Australia’s Delta Goodrem. Ukraine war context: Russia’s latest heavy strike on Kyiv killed at least 24 people, underscoring how fragile peace hopes remain.

Government Crisis: Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has resigned after her coalition collapsed over a drone row tied to Ukraine—stray drones entered Latvian airspace on May 7, one hit an oil depot area in Rēzekne, and the fallout spiralled into blame over delayed anti-drone response. Siliņa sacked Defence Minister Andris Sprūds, then the Progressives withdrew support, leaving her without a parliamentary majority and triggering caretaker rule until a new government is formed. Regional Security: The drone incident is now feeding a wider push for stronger air defence cooperation, with Ukraine signaling it will send air-defense experts to help Latvia protect its skies. Cyber Threats: Separately, Belarus-linked hackers “FrostyNeighbor” are targeting Polish and Ukrainian government bodies with spear-phishing and malware delivery. Eurovision 2026: Vienna’s second semi-final is underway today, with Latvia among the 15 competing for a spot in Saturday’s grand final. Business & Tech: Viva.com says it has expanded its integrated payments, banking and financing platform to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

NATO Air-Defence Push: Eastern flank leaders say repeated Russian airspace breaches prove the urgent need to strengthen missile and drone defence, and they’re calling for tighter coordination and more defence-industry capacity. Latvia’s Political Shock: In Riga, Prime Minister Evika Silina’s coalition has lost its majority after the Progressives withdrew support over how drone incidents were handled, setting up political consultations and a possible no-confidence vote. Ukraine-Drone Support: Zelensky says Ukraine will send air-safety experts to Latvia and Lithuania and expects agreements under the “Drone Deals” format. Transport Crackdown: Latvia is drafting a ban on regular international bus services to Russia and Belarus, extending an existing restriction on irregular routes. Eurovision Tonight: Semi-final 2 is under way in Vienna with Latvia’s Atvara among the acts chasing the final spots. Weather: Rain and thunderstorms are expected to move across Latvia, with gusts possible.

Latvia’s Ukraine-drone fallout: Prime Minister Evika Silina has lost her ruling majority after the Progressives withdrew support following the firing of defence minister Andris Sprūds over how stray Ukrainian drones were handled, setting up political consultations and a possible no-confidence vote. NATO air defence push: Leaders at the B9 summit in Bucharest warned repeated Russian airspace breaches show the alliance must urgently strengthen air and missile defence, especially against drones. Ukraine diplomacy & sanctions: Zelensky signed two new sanctions decrees and arrived in Romania for the B9 talks, while the EU moves to join a Special Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression. Crypto regulation in Latvia: Paybis won MiCA and PSD2 approvals from Latvijas Banka, enabling regulated crypto and payments across the EU/EEA. Everyday life: Latvia’s ice cream season kicks off with nine new products after about EUR 400,000 in investment, and EU pesticide sales rose 8% in 2024 after two years of decline.

NATO Drills in Latvia: Thousands of soldiers are taking part in Crystal Arrow 2026 and Spring Warrior, training full-scale defensive operations and testing uncrewed systems, with about 2,500 troops and 500 pieces of equipment in Crystal Arrow and 2,200 troops plus 300 pieces in Spring Warrior. Court Crackdown in Russia: A Moscow court sentenced Dozhd editor Tikhon Dzyadko to eight years in absentia over “fake” claims about the army, fining him and banning him from running websites. Latvia’s Security Politics: The drone war fallout continues to ripple through NATO’s eastern flank, after Latvia’s defense leadership faced major pressure following drone incidents. Eurovision Buzz: Eurovision Semi-Final 1 is over, with Israel, Finland and Sweden among those through to the final—while fans complain about changes to results graphics. Sports Doping: Two players outside the top 500, including Latvia’s Karlis Ozolins, were provisionally suspended after clostebol positives. Weather: Midweek in Latvia stays warm but rainy, with possible thunderstorms.

Eurovision in Vienna: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest kicks off tonight with Semi-Final 1, and Latvia’s Noam Bettan performs “Michelle” as the 10th act, with the full running order and live-stream options drawing heavy attention. **Backlash and boycotts: The contest is again hit by protests and boycotts tied to Israel’s participation, with several countries staying out or returning trophies in protest. **Latvia politics: A Rīga City Council water-tower dispute turned physical, escalating tensions inside local governance. **Drone fallout: Latvia’s defense leadership remains in turmoil after the drone incidents that exposed gaps in anti-drone response, with new plans now focused on faster air-defense readiness. **NATO focus: The Bucharest Nine summit has started in Romania, with Mark Rutte and Zelenskyy expected, keeping eastern-flank security front and center. **Weather: Wednesday is forecast as Latvia’s coldest day of the week, with cloudy skies and light showers.