Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that nuclear weapons could be stationed in Latvia if NATO makes a collective decision and the need arises, NRA reported. Rinkēvičs noted that Latvia’s constitution contains no legal barriers preventing the placement of such arms. Speaking to journalists, the Latvian president emphasized that 2003 accession talks for NATO membership established that member states would not restrict the full execution of collective deterrence mechanisms.
Ministry official dismisses immediate plans for nuclear infrastructure
Airis Rikveilis, state secretary at the Ministry of Defence, told the TV24 program “Globuss” that placing nuclear weapons in Latvia lacks real prerequisites in the immediate future, LA.LV reported. Rikveilis described the presidential statement as symbolic and communicative rather than a signal of immediate deployment. He explained that weapon placement requires extensive preparation and infrastructure, noting that former military bases cannot simply house these systems. Having personally inspected nuclear infrastructure in Belgium and the Netherlands, Rikveilis contrasted those established sites with Latvia’s current military facilities. While NATO’s deterrence relies on physical locations, Rikveilis highlighted that alliance commanders require operational flexibility to move assets according to changing situations.
Fact-checkers debunk candidate claims about atomic weapons in Latvia
According to a LSM report by Re:Check, Voldemārs Garans, a candidate for the “Suverēnā vara” and “Apvienība Jaunlatvieši” alliance, claimed that negotiations with France regarding defense cooperation would involve placing atomic weapons in Latvia and turning the country into a buffer zone. LSM reported that party leader Jūlija Stepaņenko also released campaign video material warning against hosting nuclear arms. Re:Check clarified that the potential alignment with France involves defense training participation and temporary visits of non-nuclear military assets like aircraft, while France retains full control and offers no nuclear protection guarantee through that specific initiative.
Public petition urges evaluation of NATO deterrence capabilities
A public initiative hosted on ManaBalss.lv calls on Latvian state institutions to formally evaluate strengthening NATO nuclear and strategic deterrence capabilities in the Baltic region. The proposal urges the government to consult NATO allies on deploying allied deterrence infrastructure elements that align with national laws and international commitments. Meanwhile, the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF)—which includes Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, and Sweden—continues to develop high-readiness crisis response frameworks. NRA reported that UK Royal Navy Commander General Gwyn Jenkins confirmed during a visit to Finland that submarine patrols in the Atlantic will extend nuclear protection guarantees to JEF participants like Finland as part of broader regional defense planning.
Edgars Rinkēvičs addresses nuclear weapon deployment in Latvia
What did President Edgars Rinkēvičs say about nuclear weapons in Latvia?
Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that nuclear weapons could be deployed in Latvia if NATO reaches a collective decision and a necessity arises. He noted that Latvian law contains no constitutional restrictions against such a measure.
Are there current negotiations to place nuclear weapons in Latvia?
No concrete talks are taking place regarding the immediate deployment of nuclear weapons in Latvia. Ministry of Defence State Secretary Airis Rikveilis stated that the necessary infrastructure does not currently exist.
