On 10 September, President Edgars Rinkēvičs chaired a meeting of the National Security Council at the Riga Castle.
The National Security Council discussed the current situation concerning Russia’s ongoing military aggression in Ukraine, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles incidents in Polish airspace during the previous night. The Council received up-to-date information provided by the relevant authorities, including following consultations with Poland and other NATO Allies. The Council condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which also poses a threat to the security of NATO Allies. The Council agreed that developing air defence capabilities at both the national and NATO levels is a priority. The Council emphasised the importance of securing international support to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities and maintain pressure on Russia as essential elements in efforts to advance negotiations on a ceasefire and sustainable peace.
The Council also discussed the reported intentions of the United States to reduce financial support programmes for European countries bordering Russia, including funding within the framework of the Baltic Security Initiative. The Council was unanimous on the need for active dialogue with the United States regarding the mutual benefits of this support programme, both for strengthening Latvia’s security capabilities and for cooperation with US forces in Europe and the US defence industry.
The National Security Council conducted an in-depth assessment of the planned reform of service pensions and its impact on occupational groups most directly linked to national security. The Council received a presentation from the State Chancellery on the proposed amendments, as well as the views of the Commander of the National Armed Forces, the Chief of the State Border Guard, the Chief of the State Police, the Chief of the State Fire and Rescue Service, the Director of the Emergency Medical Service, and representatives of state security institutions.
The meeting heard reports from state security institutions on the current situation, including on the Russian and Belarusian military exercise “Zapad 2025”, the active phase of which will take place from 12 to 16 September in Belarus. The National Security Council agreed that the Cabinet of Ministers, together with the relevant authorities, will assess the restrictions on crossing the eastern border of the country. The Council emphasised the significance of the ongoing national comprehensive defence exercise “Namejs 2025” taking place in Latvia and of close cooperation with allied forces within the framework of the exercise to ensure timely monitoring of the situation.