Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said Ukrainian forces are planning to launch drones against targets in Russia from Latvian territory.

According to information received, Kyiv does not intend to limit itself to using the air corridors that the Baltic states have provided to Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Drones are also planned to be launched from the territory of those states. The calculation is that this tactic will significantly reduce flight time to targets and increase the effectiveness of “terrorist attacks.”

The SVR claimed that soldiers from Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have already been deployed to military bases in Latvia. The agency added that “the coordinates of decision-making centers on Latvian territory are well known, and the country’s NATO membership will not protect those who aid terrorists from just retribution.”

Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braze rejected the claim on X:

Russia lies again

This time it is SVR or the External Intelligence Service running a disinformation campaign against Latvia.

FACT: Latvia does NOT provide airspace for attacks on Russia. That has been explained several times to Russian representatives.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics also rejected the claim, saying Russia was lying about Latvia allowing its airspace and territory to be used for strikes against Russia or any other country.

Russian authorities have previously stated on multiple occasions that the Baltic states provide their airspace for Ukrainian drones to fly through and strike targets on Russian territory.

Drones have strayed into Baltic states several times in recent months. The Baltic states’ defense ministries have emphasized that these are Ukrainian drones that lost their bearings due to Russia’s use of electronic warfare systems.

After several Ukrainian drones flew into Latvia in early May, the country’s foreign ministry lodged a protest with Russia, pointing out, in particular, that the aggressive war Moscow is waging creates risks of such security incidents throughout the region.

Drones in Latvian airspace triggered a government crisis and the resignation of the government.