Russia Says Ukrainian Forces Preparing Attack From Latvia, Warns of Retaliation

Russia's intelligence service said Ukrainian troops are preparing an attack on Russia from Latvian territory and warned of retaliation. Ukraine and Latvia immediately denied the allegation.

TASS reported on May 19 that Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service said in a statement that personnel from Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces had been deployed in Latvia to carry out attacks on Russia.

Russia named five locations, including Adazi, and said Ukrainian forces were already stationed at Latvian military bases. It also cited Latvia's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, warning that "even NATO membership will not prevent legitimate retaliation against accomplices to terrorism."

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the Russian statement. "Russia is lying again," the ministry said. "Ukraine is not using Latvian territory or airspace for operations against Russia, nor does it intend to do so."

Latvia's government also denied the claim. President Edgars Rinkevics wrote on social media that "Russia is lying."

Prime Minister Evika Silina also said Latvia has never authorized the use of its territory or airspace for Ukrainian attacks conducted in self-defense.

Oh Se-seong, Hankyung.com reporter sesung@hankyung.com