Latvian defence minister resigns after Ukrainian drones hit oil tanks
Latvian Political Response to Drone Incidents
(Corrects Ukrainian minister's title to foreign minister in paragraph 4)
By Janis Laizans and Andrius Sytas
Resignation of Defence Minister Andris Spruds
RIGA, May 10 (Reuters) - Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds resigned on Sunday, after two Ukrainian drones on Thursday flew in from Russia and hit oil storage facilities.
Prime Minister's Reaction and Appointment of New Minister
Earlier on Sunday, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina demanded the resignation, saying anti-drone systems had not been deployed fast enough. She appointed Latvian army colonel Raivis Melnis as the new defence minister.
Regional Security Concerns
Latvia and Lithuania on Thursday called on NATO to boost air defences in their region after two drones came over the Russian border and exploded at an oil storage facility in Latvia.
Ukrainian Involvement and Statements
Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha on Sunday said on X that the drones were Ukrainian, and flew into Latvia as a result of "Russian electronic warfare deliberately diverting Ukrainian drones from their targets in Russia."
Future Cooperation on Air Security
In response to the drone incidents, Ukraine is considering sending experts to help strengthen air security over the Baltic states, Sybiha said on Friday.
(Reporting by Janis Laizans in Riga and Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; Editing by Ros Russell)
