Latvian PM Quits Days After Defense Minister Resigned Over Stray Ukrainian Drones

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa resigned after a coalition crisis sparked by stray Ukrainian drones that crashed in Latvia. The turmoil began with the resignation of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds over the incident, which Riga blamed on delayed air defense deployment and Russian electronic warfare interference. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Silina arrives for an informal meeting of the European Council in Nicosia on April 24, 2026. (Photo by Yves Herman / POOL / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa resigned Thursday after a political crisis triggered by stray Ukrainian drones spiraled into the collapse of the country’s ruling coalition. Her resignation dissolves the entire government, though ministers will continue serving in a caretaker role until a new cabinet is formed. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The turmoil began earlier this week when Defense Minister Andris Sprūds stepped down after two Ukrainian drones crossed into Latvian airspace from Russia on May 7 and struck an empty oil storage facility in Rēzekne, sparking a fire. According to Latvia’s State Police, the drones entered Latvia after veering off course. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha later said the drones were diverted by Russian electronic warfare systems that intentionally disrupted Ukrainian strikes inside Russia. The incident marked the latest in a string of Ukrainian drone incursions into Baltic and Nordic airspace as Kyiv intensifies attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. Earlier on Sunday, Siliņa demanded Sprūds resign, accusing the defense ministry of failing to deploy anti-drone systems quickly enough to protect Latvian airspace. In his resignation statement, Sprūds said he was stepping down to “protect Latvia’s army from divisive political campaigning.” He defended his record, saying Latvia had significantly strengthened its air defense capabilities, and accused political opponents of waging a “systematic campaign” against his Progressive party. Other Topics of Interest Latvia Hands Russia Protest Note After Drones Enter Its Airspace Latvia said several drones crossed from Russia into its airspace, with two reportedly crashing near Rēzekne and one sparking a fire at an oil storage facility. Sprūds also hinted that his party could reconsider its place in the ruling three-party coalition. That threat quickly became reality. The Progressives party, coalition partners with Siliņa’s “New Unity” and the Union of Greens and Farmers, later withdrew support for the prime minister, saying she had lost their trust after forcing out Sprūds. Siliņa had attempted to stabilize the situation by nominating Latvian army Colonel Raivis Melnis as the new defense minister. Melnis has reportedly served as an adviser to the prime minister since February. Announcing her own resignation Thursday, Siliņa blamed political infighting for bringing down the government. “Political jealousy and narrow party interests prevailed over responsibility,” she said. “Seeing a strong candidate for defense minister, political windbags chose crisis – a government crisis.” The drone incident has intensified security concerns across the Baltics. Latvia and Lithuania have already called on NATO to strengthen regional air defenses following the explosions at the Rēzekne oil facility. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.