NATO country appeals to EU for more money over Russia attack fears

NATO ally Latvia is calling on the European Union to hand over billions of pounds to help cover the costs of standing up to Russia. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said €7billion (£6billion) is needed to help pay for increased defence spending and the economic hit from cutting off trade ties with Moscow following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Kulbergs’ request comes amid growing concerns among countries in Eastern Europe after a flurry of airspace incursions blamed on the Kremlin. Drones were shot down over both Latvia and Romania by NATO fighter jets last week, while a nuclear-capable Russian missile also landed in Poland last month. The incidents have only added to fears around the threat posed by Russia.

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Reports suggest US intelligence is warning Vladimir Putin could order an attack on a NATO member within weeks to test the alliance’s response.

Latvia wants the EU money to be in addition to other funds earmarked for the country.

The cash would amount to nearly half of Riga’s €15.1billion (£12.9billion) defence budget between 2028-2034.

Speaking to POLITICO, Mr Kulbergs argued Latvia should be given special consideration because it is borrowing to provide security for countries further away from Russia.

“We are getting our budget deficit to the maximum ... and from that debt, we’re paying [for] the defence of the whole [of] Europe,” he told the outlet.

Mr Kulbergs said much of the cash injection would be used on arms purchases from nations including Germany, France and the Netherlands.

Latvia shares a 176-mile border with Russia, and along with its Baltic neighbours, has taken a tough stance on Moscow during its war against Ukraine.

The Baltics are widely considered the most likely possible targets if Moscow was to decide to launch an attack on NATO.

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, as well as nearby Poland, are among the highest military spenders in NATO as a share of GDP.

Riga is estimated to be spending 4.92% of its national income on defence.