Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds has urged NATO member states to proactively prepare for a potential Russian offensive, emphasizing the need for immediate defensive readiness. In an interview with German business daily “Handelsblatt”, Sprūds characterized Russia as an “aggressive, imperialistic country” with a history of expansionist tendencies, cautioning against waiting for a specific trigger event. He stated the nation should be prepared to “fight tonight, if necessary.
Sprūds highlighted Russia’s ongoing use of hybrid warfare tactics as a daily test for NATO, citing this as a key driver behind Latvia’s substantial investment in defense. The country plans to allocate 3.7 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for defense this year, with plans to surpass four percent in the coming year. Sprūds argued that these investments are crucial to avoid significantly larger expenditures in the future.
The Latvian Defence Minister also underscored the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine, describing it as “essential, if not decisive”. He expressed the firm belief that this support aligns with the interests of all nations committed to a stable global order, including the United States, particularly in light of recent announcements by President Trump regarding the provision of defensive weaponry to Ukraine.