Politics Latvia: Swedish troops arrive for NATO brigade

SDA

18.1.2025 - 15:28

ARCHIVE - Soldiers stand at the Rinkaby firing range during the "Aurora 23" military exercise. Photo: Johan Milsson/TT News Agency/AP/dpa
ARCHIVE - Soldiers stand at the Rinkaby firing range during the "Aurora 23" military exercise. Photo: Johan Milsson/TT News Agency/AP/dpa
Keystone

The first Swedish soldiers have arrived in Latvia to reinforce the NATO brigade in the Baltic state bordering Russia and Belarus. The troops and equipment from the new NATO member arrived by ship at the port of Riga, according to the Latvian Ministry of Defense. They are to become part of the multinational NATO battle group stationed in Latvia, which is led by Canada and consists of 3,500 soldiers from 13 NATO states.

Keystone-SDA

This is the first time Sweden has deployed its own soldiers to another NATO member state since joining NATO in March 2024. The parliament in Stockholm had previously approved the deployment in December. According to the government in Riga, a total of up to 600 Swedish soldiers will be stationed in Latvia.

Clear sign of Nato unity

"The reinforcement of NATO troops in Latvia by Swedish soldiers is very important for the security of our region and the strengthening of our joint defense capabilities," said Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina. Defense Minister Andris Spruds spoke of a "clear sign that the Alliance is united and that any hostile action by Russia will be followed by a clear response."

Latvia is particularly exposed in the geopolitical confrontation with Russia due to its location on NATO's eastern flank. The government in Riga also views Moscow's war of aggression against Ukraine as a direct threat to its own national security.