Latvia Votes With Russia Threat Looming Over the Baltics

2026, October 3

Latvia

Latvians are voting in parliamentary elections dominated by national-security concerns, Russia's war in Ukraine and recent drone incursions. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' pro-Ukraine United List is expected to win the largest share of seats, but polls suggest it will fall well short of a majority, potentially making coalition negotiations difficult.

The election has wider European significance because Latvia is both an EU and NATO member bordering Russia and Belarus. The country has pledged exceptionally high defence spending and continued support for Ukraine, while pro-Russian parties are campaigning against military assistance to Kyiv. Germany has also deployed Eurofighter aircraft to reinforce Latvian airspace security during the election period.