Latest news with #EdgarsRinkēvičs
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
World War 3: Is Russia preparing to attack NATO? Latvia issues warning
Latvia 's intelligence service has ignited fresh concerns over escalating global tensions, revealing a major build-up of Russian military power and an alarming intensification of its surveillance operations on NATO in the Baltic Sea. With Russia's war against Ukraine entering its fourth year and a peace deal or ceasefire nowhere in sight, the US-led NATO fears that Moscow could soon turn its military might on the western military alliance. A conflict between NATO and Russia will surely lead to World War 3 . #Operation Sindoor From crossfire to calm: What India, Pakistan Army chiefs said on the hotline Did China send a cargo plane with military supplies to Pakistan? India-Pakistan tension: Exodus of migrant workers takes a toll on industry Latvia's intelligence service (MIDD) in its latest assessment says that Russia is boosting its military reforms and expanding surveillance activities around NATO military operations in the Baltic Sea. These actions are creating tensions in the region, with NATO member states , especially Latvia, increasingly concerned about potential security risks. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now What does MIDD say? The MIDD's latest report observes a major shift that can have a direct impact on the Baltic region and warns that Russia's military ambitions include increasing its armed forces from one to 1.5 million soldiers. Russia has been reorganizing its military units and bases near Latvia's border. Live Events But the full effects of these reforms are expected to take years, even a decade. Russia's Western Military District, which is directly adjacent to Latvia, has undergone significant restructuring, creating two new strategic military axes: the Leningrad and Moscow Military Districts. This restructuring comes in response to Finland and Sweden joining NATO, stirring further unease in Moscow. The MIDD also stresses that the immediate threat to Latvia is still relatively low, as Russia's military resources are still being diverted to the war in Ukraine. While the prospects of World War 3 are not near, Russia's belligerence could soon turn the tide. The intelligence report highlights incidents involving unauthorized airspace violations and aggressive maneuvers near NATO ships and aircraft, and Latvia's defense officials are closely monitoring these developments. In the past year, Latvia has seen a rise in sabotage, diversions, and other malicious activities aimed at destabilizing the region. Latvia's President, Edgars Rinkēvičs, has called for stronger defense spending across Europe, stressing the need for NATO to remain vigilant against Russia's actions. World War 3: Who holds the military edge, NATO or Russia? Russia is rapidly reforming its armed forces and has launched its largest conscription (compulsory military service) drive in over a decade. But military experts say Moscow remains significantly outmatched by NATO's collective firepower. Russia's defense budget is estimated to rise to an estimated €120 billion in 2025, over 6% of its GDP, quadrupling since 2021. President Putin aims to raise active troop numbers to 1.5 million, but NATO, now 32 members strong with Finland and Sweden onboard, fields a combined 3.4 million active soldiers. In almost every category, tanks, aircraft, warships, and armored vehicles, NATO holds a clear numerical and technological edge. But some analysts still warn that the danger lies not in Russia winning a conventional war, but in how it might react if it starts losing one. Germany's intelligence services have cautioned that Putin could try to test NATO's unity, possibly challenging the credibility of Article 5, the alliance's mutual defense clause. The threat of nuclear escalation looms over any confrontation: both sides are nearly matched, with NATO's three nuclear powers—the US, UK, and France—holding a combined 5,559 warheads to Russia's 5,580. Russia's invasion of Ukraine grinds into its fourth year, with neither side showing signs of backing down. Coupled with President Trump's aggressive rhetoric and willingness to consider force in dealings with allies, the world simply cannot afford a global war
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Baltic Region's Leading Scientific Event – RSU Research Week 2025 – to Take Place Next Week in Riga, Latvia
RIGA, Latvia, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From 24 to 28 March 2025, Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) will host one of the most significant scientific events in the Baltic region: RSU Research Week 2025. This biennial forum gathers scientists, academics, industry professionals, and policymakers to share cutting-edge research findings, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and explore innovative solutions for healthcare and society. The event will commence on 24 March with an , led by RSU Rector and Research Week 2025 President, Prof. Aigars Pētersons, and featuring distinguished guests including President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, as well as keynote speakers Dr. Bertalan Meskó, Director of The Medical Futurist Institute, and Prof. Romain Meeusen from Vrije Universiteit Brussel. RSU Research Week 2025 will open with the 11th International Student Conference on Health and Social Sciences. From 26 to 28 March, five international conferences will take place simultaneously: Knowledge for Use in Practice – focusing on medicine and healthcare, including a special section on Immunology and Neuroimmunology in Research and Clinical Practice, where a group of seven Lithuanian researchers will participate in discussions on the comprehensive study of primary immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Society. Health. Welfare. – bringing together researchers, practitioners, and students from six disciplines: public health, psychology, environmental and occupational medicine, health management, social work, and nursing and midwifery. PLACES – an interdisciplinary conference uniting expertise in political science, law, economics, communication, and other social sciences. Innovation and Artificial Intelligence: The Path from Research to Practice will be held, bringing together experts, policy makers, and industry pioneers to explore the AI impact on medicine, healthcare and society. This year, nearly 1,300 abstracts have been submitted from more than 40 countries, and 60 renowned experts from at least 19 countries—including from the Karolinska Institute, University College London, Amsterdam UMC, and the University of Helsinki—are among the expected guest speakers. The previous RSU Research Week in 2023 attracted approximately 7,110 participants from 46 countries, both in person and online, reinforcing its international significance. All RSU Research Week 2025 events will be conducted in English and are free of charge. The live stream of RSU Research Week will be available on the RSU Facebook page and here. However, the event will be held in person at Riga Stradiņš University (Dzirciema iela 16, Riga, LV-1007). For further information Tīna Sidoroviča, Head of External Communications, Riga Stradiņš University, mobile:. 29267825, in to access your portfolio
CNN
09-03-2025
- Politics
- CNN
European countries should ‘absolutely' introduce conscription, Latvian president says
European countries should 'absolutely' be introducing conscription to combat the threat of Russian aggression, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said Sunday, as Europe grows increasingly concerned about the trajectory of the war in Ukraine. Latvia reintroduced compulsory military service for adult males on January 1 last year, having abolished it in 2006. The Baltic country shares a 180-mile border with Russia to its east and is particularly vulnerable to Russian aggression. European leaders met on Thursday in Brussels for emergency talks on the Ukraine war and European defense, vowing to rearm the continent after the United States threatened to rip up 80 years of security guarantees. Asked if European partners should be following Latvia's decision to reintroduce mandatory military service, Rinkēvičs told Sky News: 'Yes… seeing what is happening in the world, the decision that we took, and yes indeed, we had quite a discussion back in 2022 and that decision was taken by the Parliament.' 'Many other European countries need to follow that,' he added. Asked again if he thinks other European countries should take decisions similar to that of Latvia in terms of defense spending and conscription, Rinkēvičs said 'absolutely.' Several European countries halted mandatory conscription after the end of the Cold War, but a number of nations – particularly in Scandinavia and the Baltics – have reintroduced it in recent years, largely because of the Russian threat. Failure to enlist can result in fines or even jail time in some countries. Rinkēvičs told Sky News that there had also been discussion in his country about whether there is a need to introduce conscription for women. 'Currently, that is not a decision that has been taken,' he said. 'There is not any legal obligation for that… This is a debate but there are no decisions taken.' The president added that he understood that 'people are a little bit nervous' about the situation, but said that 'of course, a strong reassurance is one thing, another thing is the real action that is being taken by the Latvian government, by other European governments, to make sure that we all get stronger.' Radina Gigova contributed to this report.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
European countries should ‘absolutely' introduce conscription, Latvian president says
European countries should 'absolutely' be introducing conscription to combat the threat of Russian aggression, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said Sunday, as Europe grows increasingly concerned about the trajectory of the war in Ukraine. Latvia reintroduced compulsory military service for adult males on January 1 last year, having abolished it in 2006. The Baltic country shares a 180-mile border with Russia to its east and is particularly vulnerable to Russian aggression. European leaders met on Thursday in Brussels for emergency talks on the Ukraine war and European defense, vowing to rearm the continent after the United States threatened to rip up 80 years of security guarantees. Asked if European partners should be following Latvia's decision to reintroduce mandatory military service, Rinkēvičs told Sky News: 'Yes… seeing what is happening in the world, the decision that we took, and yes indeed, we had quite a discussion back in 2022 and that decision was taken by the Parliament.' 'Many other European countries need to follow that,' he added. Asked again if he thinks other European countries should take decisions similar to that of Latvia in terms of defense spending and conscription, Rinkēvičs said 'absolutely.' Several European countries halted mandatory conscription after the end of the Cold War, but a number of nations – particularly in Scandinavia and the Baltics – have reintroduced it in recent years, largely because of the Russian threat. Failure to enlist can result in fines or even jail time in some countries. Rinkēvičs told Sky News that there had also been discussion in his country about whether there is a need to introduce conscription for women. 'Currently, that is not a decision that has been taken,' he said. 'There is not any legal obligation for that… This is a debate but there are no decisions taken.' The president added that he understood that 'people are a little bit nervous' about the situation, but said that 'of course, a strong reassurance is one thing, another thing is the real action that is being taken by the Latvian government, by other European governments, to make sure that we all get stronger.' Radina Gigova contributed to this report.
CNN
09-03-2025
- Politics
- CNN
European countries should ‘absolutely' introduce conscription, Latvian president says
European countries should 'absolutely' be introducing conscription to combat the threat of Russian aggression, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said Sunday, as Europe grows increasingly concerned about the trajectory of the war in Ukraine. Latvia reintroduced compulsory military service for adult males on January 1 last year, having abolished it in 2006. The Baltic country shares a 180-mile border with Russia to its east and is particularly vulnerable to Russian aggression. European leaders met on Thursday in Brussels for emergency talks on the Ukraine war and European defense, vowing to rearm the continent after the United States threatened to rip up 80 years of security guarantees. Asked if European partners should be following Latvia's decision to reintroduce mandatory military service, Rinkēvičs told Sky News: 'Yes… seeing what is happening in the world, the decision that we took, and yes indeed, we had quite a discussion back in 2022 and that decision was taken by the Parliament.' 'Many other European countries need to follow that,' he added. Asked again if he thinks other European countries should take decisions similar to that of Latvia in terms of defense spending and conscription, Rinkēvičs said 'absolutely.' Several European countries halted mandatory conscription after the end of the Cold War, but a number of nations – particularly in Scandinavia and the Baltics – have reintroduced it in recent years, largely because of the Russian threat. Failure to enlist can result in fines or even jail time in some countries. Rinkēvičs told Sky News that there had also been discussion in his country about whether there is a need to introduce conscription for women. 'Currently, that is not a decision that has been taken,' he said. 'There is not any legal obligation for that… This is a debate but there are no decisions taken.' The president added that he understood that 'people are a little bit nervous' about the situation, but said that 'of course, a strong reassurance is one thing, another thing is the real action that is being taken by the Latvian government, by other European governments, to make sure that we all get stronger.' Radina Gigova contributed to this report.
