Latvian Prime Minister Resigns After Coalition Splits Over Ukrainian Drones

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned on Thursday after a key coalition partner withdrew its support in a dispute over Ukrainian drones that strayed into the Baltic nation. The drones, which were on an attack mission targeting Russia, crashed into Latvian territory on May 7 after being electronically diverted by Russian forces.

One of the drones caused a fire at a disused oil storage site in eastern Latvia. Silina sacked Defense Minister Andris Spruds on Sunday, stating that Latvia's anti-drone systems had not been deployed quickly enough. Spruds formally resigned the following day.

The Progressive party, which Spruds represented, rejected Silina's proposed military officer as replacement and accused her of making him a scapegoat. Nine MPs from the party then quit the ruling coalition. Their departure left the government with only 41 seats in the 100-seat parliament.

Opposition parties immediately announced plans to call a no-confidence vote.

Silina, who had led the government since September 2023, announced her resignation at a press conference. She emphasized that her priority remained the well-being of Latvians and the country's security. >"The most important thing for me is the well-being of Latvians and the security of our country.

We are fully aware of the times we are all living in. " — Evika Silina, May 14, 2026 (Le Monde) The episode has highlighted vulnerabilities in regional air defenses.

A separate Ukrainian drone fell in Latvia on March 25.

The incidents have repeatedly exposed gaps in the Baltic states' ability to intercept low-flying threats. Following discussions at a summit in Bucharest on Wednesday, Ukraine offered to send experts to Latvia to assist with air defenses. The two countries also agreed to prepare a long-term accord for a multi-layered air defense system.

President Edgars Rinkevics said he would meet party leaders on Friday to begin discussions on forming a new government. Silina's Unity party had been governing in coalition with the Progressives and another partner. The resignation comes at a time of heightened regional tension.

Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian ports and energy facilities in recent months, increasing the risk of spillover into neighboring NATO member states.