Latvia urges faster weapons production as eastern Europe increases defense spending
Eastern European states stand ready to ramp up defense spending – but they need weapons manufacturers in both Europe and the US to actually sell them the arms they need, according to Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Rinkēvičs responded to US criticism of European defense spending, explaining that the issue is not just about money, but about actual availability and delivery of weapons.
'We have signed contracts back in 2022 – delivery is 2026, 2027,' he said, emphasizing the lengthy delays in military procurement. 'We are ready to buy more from the United States.'
Latvia, a frontline NATO state bordering Russia, has already committed 3.45 percent of its GDP ($1.64 billion) to defense in 2025, well above NATO's 2 percent target. That figure is set to rise to 3.73 percent in 2026, with discussions about pushing it to 4 percent or beyond in the coming years.
His comments came in response to US Vice President JD Vance's blistering speech in Munich, where Vance lambasted European governments for failing to invest in their own defense – a recurring criticism from the Trump administration during both terms. However, instead of focusing his address on Russia, NATO unity, or Ukraine's security, Vance used the stage to attack Europe's internal political issues, including free speech restrictions, election overturns, and religious freedoms.
'The threat that I worry the most about vis – a – vis Europe is not Russia. It's not China. It's not any other external actor. What I worry about is the threat from within,' Vance declared, drawing criticism from some European officials for prioritizing cultural issues over military strategy.
'Spending alone is not enough – We need capability'
While Rinkēvičs did not dispute the need for greater European responsibility, he pointed out that defense commitments mean little if weapons are not being produced quickly enough.
'We are talking about percentage points, about accountancy figures,' he said. 'What we really need is capabilities. We need to buy a lot of equipment, and there is a problem here.'
He placed some of the blame on Europe's own procurement system, noting that it is too slow and bureaucratic, but also stressed that defense manufacturers – both in the US and Europe – must scale up production.
'We hear calls to buy European, and that's fine, but European industry is not producing enough,' Rinkēvičs explained. 'So we are looking elsewhere – including to the United States.'
His comments reflect a growing concern among European governments that increased defense budgets are not translating into faster military readiness – a key issue given the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential Russian threats to NATO's eastern flank.
Caution over peace talks: 'A pause is not a peace deal'
Rinkēvičs also weighed in on Trump's suggestion that he could personally negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine and the possibility of Saudi Arabia hosting talks between the US and Russia.
'I trust President Trump and US officials that they want to get the best deal possible,' he said. 'But I don't trust President Putin that he wants to end this war. Probably, he needs a pause – but then he may resume.'
His comments echo concerns from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine will not accept any deal negotiated without its involvement.
'We cannot accept it, as an independent country, any agreements [made] without us,' Zelenskyy recently stated.
Meanwhile, European leaders are preparing for an emergency summit on February 20, amid growing concerns that the US and Russia could begin shaping a deal without direct European or Ukrainian involvement.
Rinkēvičs did not oppose the idea of Gulf mediation, including Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Plan, but he made clear that Ukraine and Europe must be at the table.
'If Ukraine agrees, if Russia agrees, and if Europe is at the table, I don't mind,' he said, signaling openness to diplomatic efforts but stressing the need for inclusivity.
'Free speech vs. disinformation – A balance must be found'
Vance had also accused European governments of suppressing free speech, citing cases such as the conviction of a British ex – serviceman for praying outside an abortion clinic as evidence of wider censorship across the continent.
Rinkēvičs acknowledged that there have been concerns about free speech issues in Europe, but he also made it clear that Russian disinformation campaigns pose a serious security risk.
'We know what liberty is, but we also know that Russia currently is employing enormous resources – information for them is a weapon, and we have to fight that,' he said. 'It's not about free speech at this time – it's about countering deliberate attacks.'
At the same time, he did not dismiss the concerns raised by the US, noting that finding the right balance is something both Europe and America must figure out together.
'The Vice President was right that there have been cases that are questionable from a free speech point of view,' he admitted. 'How to find the right balance is something that everyone must work out – not just in Europe, but also in the United States.'
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