RIGA, May 18 (LETA) - Latvia needs to strengthen its air defense on the eastern border, outgoing Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) stressed today at a meeting with State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Janis Purins.

Silina said that Russia's expanding war in Ukraine and the increasing use of drones in the region have a direct impact on Latvia's security environment. This is especially felt by the residents of Latgale, who receive cell broadcast notifications of drone incursions into Latvian airspace, Silina said.

"We need to strengthen the air defenses on the eastern border and ensure clear, swift and coordinated action in such situations," the politician stressed.

The prime minister, who is also currently filling the duties of the minister of defense, discussed with Purins the defense sector's plans to strengthen defense capabilities, in particular air defense, on the eastern border.

As reported, a cell broadcast notification of a possible threat in the airspace was initially sent out in the Rezekne, Ludza and Kraslava municipalities, and later also in Aluksne and Balvi municipalities.

Residents of Latgale have received similar cell broadcast alerts in recent months, and these were likely related to drones involved in the Russia-Ukraine war approaching or entering Latvian airspace. Such drones have also exploded on Latvian territory on several occasions, including most recently a week ago at a little-used oil depot in Rezekne.

No one has been injured in these incidents so far, but the latest incident in Rezekne led first to the resignation of the defense minister and then to the collapse of the entire government of Evika Silina (New Unity).