Yesterday at 23:53
Leaders of Baltic states explain why Europe should invest more in defence and think about conscription amid talks about possible Russian threat to the security of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
“There is a need for serious discussion about conscription,” Rinkēvičs said, adding that allies should also return to the “level of spending during the Cold War”.
Rinkēvičs is convinced that even the NATO 2% rule is not enough under the current circumstances. Also, not all NATO states follow this rule and spend less than 2% of their GDP on defence, which gives the US reasons to blame some allies for “not doing enough”. For example, Donald Trump, a 2024 Republican presidential nominee, has used this notion repeatedly.
The Latvian leader understands the unpopularity of a decision like this, but still sees it necessary.
“Nobody wants to fight. But the problem is nobody wants to be invaded as well. And nobody wants to see Ukraine happening here,” he concluded.
Also, Estonian President Alar Karis suggested that allies introduced a special tax to fund military procurements and strived to match the United States’ defense spendings.
Recently, there have been warnings that Russia could try and attack Baltic countries, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
According to some Western officials, Moscow wants to challenge NATO’s Article 5 by a hybrid or military attack on Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania to see whether NATO will apply the mutual defence rule.
In January 2024, Latvia re-introduced mandatory conscription for its citizens. All male citizens between 18 and 27 will be required to serve a year, including those abroad.
Read also: Washington summit to lay bridge to Ukraine’s NATO membership
