From@nexta_tv🚨 NATO has reportedly mapped out a scenario for war with Russia: Kaliningrad among key targets, strikes could extend deep into Russian territory. According to Bild, the Alliance is working on a response plan in case Russia attacks the Baltic states. The first stage would involve suppressing Russian missile systems, drones, and air defenses, with particular attention paid to the Kaliningrad region. Along the borders with Russia and Belarus, NATO reportedly wants to create an “autonomous zone” where advancing forces would be met primarily by drones and robotic systems rather than soldiers. The next stage could involve special forces and long-range weapons striking airfields, military factories, bridges, railways, and warehouses inside Russia. The concept also reportedly includes deploying robotic systems behind Russian lines and supporting Russians opposed to the Kremlin. Bild says the details were made public deliberately: the idea is to make Moscow understand in advance what a Russian attack on NATO could trigger.
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Defense: Posts and News from Apvienotais saraksts
Political posts and news in Defense from Apvienotais saraksts, from monitored Latvian public sources.
Day No. 57 in the prime minister's chair (Thursday) – Sēlija training ground; anti-drone explosives; Recipe+; Olpha pharmaceutical plant. I have fallen behind on daily reports – here will be from Thursday. 🎖️ 🛰️ Sēlija training ground and armed forces procurement. I visited the Sēlija training ground together with Defence Minister R. Melnis. One of the conclusions after talking with the National Armed Forces and the minister – the old-style procurement procedures no longer work for the Armed Forces. We need to understand what military capability the customer wants to achieve – competition for equipment no longer works, but competition for capabilities does. We need to shift from purchasing to “subscription”. Technology is changing faster than ever, and our thinking must change along with it. There is also the question of the State Audit Office. The Armed Forces @Latvijas_armija fear that the State Audit Office could turn against them if the “wrong” drones were purchased. This needs to be resolved so decisions aren't stalled out of fear. ⚙️ The main challenge – how to integrate hundreds of new offensive and defensive technologies into a single command system. This is one of the most complex issues to solve around the world. NATO, together with manufacturers, is working on such a system that would allow greater reliance on equipment and less on personnel. After visiting the Sēlija training ground, I discussed with the National Armed Forces the situation where drones were purchased without warheads. It is absurd to think that the National Armed Forces will themselves fit the drones with explosives. That is not the Armed Forces' task. I changed clothes in the forest on the way :) and went straight from the training ground to the topping-out ceremony for Recipe Plus' new logistics centre. 💊 Recipe Plus logistics centre. I am always ready to be present when Latvian companies develop and invest private capital (+€20m). This is not an ordinary logistics centre. It will be a unique, automated solution. Availability of medicines is critically important even in crisis situations, and such a warehouse is essential for that. It is Latvian companies that will ensure our access to medicines in such situations – production, distribution, storage under any crisis conditions. Such a modern, automated logistics centre has not yet been built in our region. 🧪 Olpha plant. I also visited the Olpha plant. We have enormous potential in producing chemical raw materials for medicines. Currently EU, US and world drug manufacturers have become dependent on India's monopoly on pharmaceutical raw materials, and in many places in Europe this infrastructure has disappeared. In Latvia we have the resources and knowledge to expand both exports and production in this global niche. We need to work on universities training ever more specialists for this sector and strengthening our position in Europe and the world.
He wrote about the Russians. That is also relevant for our 'Eastern Latvian territories' — “Land matters when there are people living on it. When the neighbors around it are friendly. When, because of both, it brings the people living on it economic benefit and prosperity.”
From@Gerashchenko_enSpecialists from Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces found that most Russian soldiers captured by Ukrainian Forces in Zaporizhzhia region have their military ID numbers tattooed on their bodies. They are forcibly marked upon arrival at a training ground. Such tattoos are reportedly given to soldiers assigned to 'meat assaults' sent to slaughter. Since Russian commanders understand that these soldiers will die shortly after being sent into combat, no one spends time or resources issuing them metal ID tags. Most POWs said that during their service, they faced forced deployments to assault positions while wounded, threats to 'zero them out' if they refused, as well as 'flag-planting' missions - attempts to raise a Russian flag in the territory controlled by Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The majority of these Russian servicemen were captured between 10 days and one month after signing their contracts. The pattern has been observed in Russia’s 36th, 37th, 38th, and 39th motorized rifle brigades; 5th tank brigade; and the 70th, 114th, and 135th motorized rifle regiments. For Russian soldiers, such a mark is a death sentence. The only way to escape it and survive is to flee immediately or surrender to Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
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From@POLITICOEuropeEXCLUSIVE: Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs wants Brussels to hand over €7 billion to help cover the military and economic costs of confronting Russia, as pressure grows over the price of the country’s hard line on Moscow. https://t.co/SAm357iA7J
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From@markomihkelsonRussia will attack NATO next month, really? Don’t fool yourself. Russia is already attacking the EU and NATO - and has been for years, from within.
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The fifth year of the war is underway, and every day Ukraine's peaceful civilians perish. Meanwhile, a full bus of Latvia's peaceful civilians still goes without problems to their Führer.
So to say – you'll have to live with it now.
From@jurgen_naudittRussia has established drone bases within striking distance of NATO targets. The Russian military has set up at least ten secret bases equipped with launchers for long-range drones along the borders with Ukraine and Belarus, *The Telegraph* reports. Investigations have identified 59 new launch ramps at these sites. Some were created by converting existing military bases or civilian airfields, while others were built 'from scratch.' About 20 of the ramps have been extended, indicating they are designed to launch state-of-the-art drone models. ➡️ The increased range of new Russian UAVs (specifically the Geran-4 and Geran-5 variants, capable of traveling up to 1,000 km) places Warsaw and other Eastern European NATO capitals within potential striking range. ➡️ Seven of the ten identified sites are already being actively used for massive attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure; their proximity to the border is intended to help evade air defense systems. ➡️ The bases are supplied directly from Russian manufacturing facilities—most notably the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, where thousands of drones are produced annually.. Storage capacity for up to 1,000 drones at a time was discovered at one of the sites. ➡️ New versions of the drones feature jet engines and warheads weighing up to 90 kg; according to Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR), they can also be equipped with air-to-air missiles to destroy Ukrainian aircraft. Western intelligence agencies believe the the Russian Federation could also use these capabilities to carry out acts of sabotage within NATO territory.
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Exactly such is the Russian army too... https://t.co/cNOcvEeABU
From@AlexBondODUAYou couldn't ask for more accurate advertising for the russian army. https://t.co/95kvMNHgyk
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I believe that such scumbags, otherwise I can't call them, must be dealt with with all the severity of the law. Including, NBS must be given expanded powers to put such types face down on the ground immediately, until identity is established. They could well have been the so-called little green men. Then we'll see where they can pull strings!
Itai... https://t.co/G0YnJEqTaH
From@ilmarmorsMadjar's message to the Baltic states: clear the border with Russia and create a death zone August 13, 2026 Source: https://t.co/DoTlanYlJy Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces commander, Major Robert Brovdi, also known as "Madjar", recommends that the Baltic states prepare much more seriously for a possible Russian attack. * Recommendation: create a three to five kilometer wide clean zone on the border so there is nowhere for a drone to hide. * Underground fiber-optic cable infrastructure must be created to fully monitor the entire border with drones. * Madjar: all this can be done quickly, even this year, if only the Baltic states have the will. Estonia and the other Baltic states still misassess Russia's military threats and are not preparing adequately, Ukrainian drone forces commander Major Robert Brovdi (50) said in an interview with Postimees. Madjar offered Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania his action plan for quickly building strong defenses against a possible Russian attack using drones. His recommendations are based on creating a "death zone" on the Russian border with drones so that, figuratively speaking, even a mouse could not slip through unnoticed. "Guys, don't hesitate. Here are the first five steps you need to complete in 2026," Brovdi, better known by his call sign Madjar, said in an interview with Postimees in early August. "These are not complicated things. You just need to make a decision and carry it out." Madjar's five-step recommendation for Baltic defense, presented to Postimees, was not made up on the spot. Already when agreeing to the interview, I was clearly made to understand that Madjar very much wanted to talk about Baltic defense. During the interview it was clear that Madjar had carefully thought about what the Baltic states' capability and readiness should be in the event of a possible Russian attack or military provocation. According to Madjar, the plan he recommends for the Baltic states is based on the goal of not letting the enemy into their territory at all. "If you already know in advance that an attack is being planned against you, you can immediately strike back and not let the enemy into your territory," he emphasized. Five proposals Proposal 1 – create a conditional "death zone" along the border with Russia (in Lithuania's case, on the border with Belarus). It is a zone where drones can fly and attack without obstacles. The wider, the better. Given the small territory of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, this "death zone" should be at least two to five kilometers wide. "Cut down absolutely everything there," said Madjar. "It must be completely open terrain where drones must destroy absolutely everything that moves. So you can't hide behind trees or buildings. Everything must be clearly visible. That's your so-called buffer zone." Proposal 2 – for the "death zone" to work, special infrastructure must be created for the use of modern technologies. All these technologies require communications. As Madjar points out, Ukraine's war experience shows that the most reliable communications are via fiber optic cable. "Not over the air, but it must be laid in the ground. 30-50 centimeters underground," said Madjar. "And these communications must be ensured along the entire length of your border, forming a unified network." The fiber optic network deployed along the entire border must be interconnected so that various sensors and cameras, drone positions, communication points, and so on can be connected at different points. All this underground fiber optic network must be connected between all the Baltic states. "This infrastructure built with fiber optic cables will allow the construction of the necessary number of drone launch sites in the future, from which drones can take off, while pilots will control them remotely," said Madjar. "For pilots to be safe, they need to work from Riga, Vilnius, London, or anywhere else. The important thing is that it happens remotely." Proposal 3 – effective tactical or short-range air defense must be created that can see 15-30 kilometers away. Such air defense must be densely deployed along the created "death zone". The purpose of such air defense is to detect all enemy reconnaissance and strike drones flying in the air. Detect them at any altitude and then destroy them either with interceptor drones, electronic warfare (EW) means, or other methods. "If the enemy wants to invade you, they won't come with tanks. They won't start with artillery shelling," said Madjar. "Initially they will come with reconnaissance drones. They will look everything over, and then strike drones and missiles will fly in. You need to know this and be ready." Expensive radars and expensive air defense systems should be left deeper in the rear to monitor the global situation. If expensive radar systems appear near the front, the enemy will destroy them first. "Destroying these systems will make you blind, deaf, and helpless," Madjar emphasized. Proposal 4 – at least one specialized drone brigade must be established in each Baltic state. In Ukraine, one drone brigade means 300 drone crews. "They are all drone crews with different purposes," said Madjar. To describe why exactly complex drone use with different purposes and against different targets helps effectively fight Russian forces, Madjar uses the concept of a "borscht recipe". "This 'borscht recipe' includes a list of various types of crews that operate at different depths, work with different means, and are located at different distances from each other," Madjar explained. Borscht, the most famous Ukrainian dish, will not be perfect if any of the necessary ingredients are missing. According to Madjar, the same applies to drone forces – the thing doesn't work if a component is missing. In war conditions, a brigade with 300 crews built on the "borscht recipe" principle can cover a hundred-kilometer stretch, Madjar believes. In peacetime, when this brigade mainly needs to observe the enemy and be on standby, it can also cover 500-600 kilometers, Madjar noted. However, it would be best if Estonia's, Latvia's, and Lithuania's armed forces created separate drone forces, as has long been the case in Ukraine and now also in Russia. "What more experience do you need if we constantly prove that it works?" Madjar asked. "Currently, we hit 80 percent of all targets with drones." "Should I come and dance a national dance for you on this topic so you understand? That's experience," added Madjar, known for his expressive language. Proposal 5 – the ability to strike the attacking enemy's logistics and military facilities. This requires medium- and long-range drones, as well as their crews. According to Madjar, the drone brigade should prepare 30-50 crews for medium- and long-range drones capable of striking the enemy at operational and strategic depth. "To change the opponent's plans, to deliver strikes that force them to change their plans and timelines," said Madjar. Training of medium- and long-range drone pilots for Estonia's, Latvia's, and Lithuania's armed forces must begin immediately, Madjar believes. He noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will gladly help with this matter. Achievable this year Creating a "death zone" on the border with Russia and deploying a fiber optic network are things that can be done quickly, still within this year, Madjar notes. If there is the will, the Ukrainian drone forces commander emphasized. He claimed that none of these measures requires budgets in the billions. "It costs a few million, but you can do it yourselves, and it can be done quickly," said Madjar. "Provided that the state itself doesn't work against it and there are no problems with private lands – about who allows something to be done and who doesn't." "Here you have to choose: either you start bargaining with your entrepreneurs, or you take a national position that all this must be done," Madjar continued. "Just do it. Give them something else in return so they don't hold on to this land so much. Because they will be the first to suffer when the Muscovites invade you." In 2024, the three Baltic states signed an agreement to establish the Baltic Defense Line on the border with Russia and Belarus. However, it will be completely different from the defense line the Ukrainian drone forces commander recommends building. The already-started Baltic Defense Line is a system of defensive structures and obstacles consisting of fortified strongpoints, anti-tank ditches, anti-tank obstacles, minefields, and the like. Its construction uses natural obstacles: forests, swamps, rivers, etc. Estonia plans to build up to 600 company-level bunkers. Construction of anti-tank ditches for the Baltic Defense Line in the Meremäe area, Setomaa parish, this spring. Photo: Margus Ansu If Russia attacked, this defense line, according to the vision of the Estonian Ministry of Defense, should slow down and redirect the movement of Russian units and force them to move to places where they are easier to destroy with fire. According to the creators of the defense line, this would give Estonia's, Latvia's, and Lithuania's forces, as well as NATO allies, time and more favorable conditions to destroy the enemy. Strategically, the goal is deterrence – to show that a quick breakthrough in the Baltic states will not succeed and that the territory will be defended from the very first meter. According to Madjar, building such a defense line is based on the experience of the previous war. "This is not promising," he said. "You cannot stop an enemy attack with kinetics." By "kinetics" Madjar means fortifications and the firepower of traditional weapons. "If today the dominant tool is the drone, then infrastructure and the necessary conditions must be created specifically for drone use," he added. Currently there is not even a one percent probability that Russia would organize an attack on the Baltic states with tanks and mechanized columns, Madjar is convinced. Madjar emphasized that the Baltic states must create what is currently relevant and effective in Ukraine and gain experience in using it. This also includes organizing logistics with aerial and ground drones. "You need to train evacuation of the wounded with robots, not people," said Madjar. "Train all electronic warfare (EW) skills. And what is needed for that again? Build fiber optic infrastructure." Criticism of NATO According to Madjar's assessment, the probability of a Russian attack is increased by the fact that NATO has so far not demonstrated unity and adequate action in the face of the Kremlin's provocations. "A Russian drone flies into your airspace, then a missile, then an aircraft flies over, conducts reconnaissance, then a warship approaches and also conducts reconnaissance, but you only express concern that you don't like it," said Madjar. "Shoot it down when it approaches! Take the shot so it sinks, it won't come back," Madjar advised. "But you don't do that. I'm talking about NATO countries. You only start discussing among yourselves whether to respond or not, to drive away or not." Madjar cited the example of Poland, where Russian aircraft used in the war against Ukraine have repeatedly flown in. How else can Poland be convinced that it is no longer an accident, Madjar asked. "If a thousand units fly toward them at once, their jaws will drop. Then they won't know what to do," said Madjar. "As Ukraine's experience shows, a thousand [Shahed-type drones] at once is no problem." In the near future, launching a thousand Shahed-type drones at once will be no problem for the Russian armed forces, Madjar is convinced.
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@VirtuvesSarunas @Latvijas_armija @VRS_gov_lv @AizsardzibasMin Able to detect and identify. It was shot down precisely because they identified it.
From@VirtuvesSarunasI understand correctly that @Latvijas_armija @VRS_gov_lv still cannot ascertain/identify that/when aggressor country drones cross Latvia's border, @AizsardzibasMin @AndrisKulbergs ⁉️ https://t.co/0U6nXTDiJ5
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Otherwise, it's hard to call this anything but sabotage.
From@AndrisKulbergsHere will be the whole truth about unpurchased charges for anti-drone systems during Defense Minister Sprūds' tenure. Yesterday, during my visit to the Sēlija training ground, I spoke directly with an NBS and a 20-year experienced explosives expert. It is unimaginable stupidity to make soldiers manually fill drones with explosives – it requires training every drone operator in the use of explosives and significantly increases the risk to lives.
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I recommend watching the segment about RailBaltica; in September the government will have to make decisions about what to do next with the project https://t.co/9OWH11Zuic
From@AndrisKulbergsDay No. 56 in the prime minister's chair – an eclipse in the sky, but the government needs more clarity 🌒☀️
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@husiits @UldisVarnevichs @didzisdejus Very complicated, because certification is the most problematic.
From@husiits@AndrisKulbergs @UldisVarnevichs @didzisdejus how complicated would it be to produce these warheads locally?
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Here will be the whole truth about unpurchased charges for anti-drone systems during Defense Minister Sprūds' tenure. Yesterday, during my visit to the Sēlija training ground, I spoke directly with an NBS and a 20-year experienced explosives expert. It is unimaginable stupidity to make soldiers manually fill drones with explosives – it requires training every drone operator in the use of explosives and significantly increases the risk to lives.
From@TVNET_zinas🧐 In the public sphere, diametrically opposed statements have been made by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and former Defense Minister Andris Sprūds regarding the contract for the purchase of interceptor drones. Read more: https://t.co/UGrZdkfVA2 #SIF_MAF2026
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From@AndrisKulbergsNight drone incident! Thank you to the National Armed Forces and NATO allies for their professional and operational response, successfully destroying the unmanned aerial vehicle that entered Latvian airspace in the middle of the night. Units are currently searching the area. Leadership is in contact with Balvi Municipality. We will inform you as soon as additional information is available. This is proof that Latvia's airspace is being protected. At the same time, such incidents remind us that we must continue to strengthen Latvia's eastern border surveillance and counter-drone capabilities in order to detect, identify, and neutralize any potential threat as quickly as possible.
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@ParaTr00per Aren't we working? There is a concrete plan for R. Melnis together with J. Dombrava to accomplish it. That's what we're working on, carrying out procurements and improving procedures, learning from Ukraine and integrating NATO. Accomplishing it within 2 months is a utopian demand.
From@ParaTr00per@AndrisKulbergs ☹️ well... then, please, work on it so that it is ready - while we still have time to prepare.
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@ParaTr00per That has never been... to be honest, don't promise what isn't there.
From@ParaTr00per@AndrisKulbergs where is our 'drone wall'?
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Day No. 56 in the prime minister's chair – an eclipse in the sky, but the government needs more clarity 🌒☀️