Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds has urged NATO member states to prepare for a potential Russian offensive, emphasizing a proactive stance against evolving security threats. In an interview with the German publication “Handelsblatt”, Spruds characterized Russia as an “aggressive, imperialistic country” asserting that expansionist tendencies are deeply ingrained. He cautioned against focusing on a specific timeline for a possible attack, advocating instead for immediate readiness. “In case of doubt, we must be able to fight tonight” he stated.
Spruds highlighted Russia’s ongoing testing of NATO through hybrid warfare tactics, citing this as a key driver behind Latvia’s significant investment in defense. The nation plans to allocate 3.7 percent of its gross domestic product for defense this year, with intentions to exceed four percent in the coming year. This substantial investment, Spruds explained, is aimed at preventing even greater expenditure in the future.
Regarding international support, Spruds underscored the importance of continued US assistance to Ukraine, deeming it “critical, if not decisive”. He expressed a firm conviction that supporting Ukraine is in the best interest of those who champion a stable global order, including the United States. This sentiment comes as US President Donald Trump recently announced plans to continue supplying Ukraine with defensive weaponry.
