Latvia launches military mobilization drills for 114 reservists as Lithuania tightens Russian language restrictions
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7 days · 3 summary articles
Latvia launches military mobilization drills for 114 reservists as Lithuania tightens Russian language restrictions
Lithuania, Estonia discuss EU border security as Latvia deploys NATO forces near Belarus frontier
ContinuationNATO allies and partners stage Baltic drone defense drill in Latvia with 650 participants
Latvia will begin military mobilization exercises on Friday as part of efforts to refine conscription procedures in crisis situations, according to a report by Ukrinform citing Latvian public broadcaster LSM. The Latvian National Armed Forces stated that 114 reservists will undergo a three-week training course at the Infantry School in Alūksne from August 8 to August 29, focusing on legal regulations, weapons training, combat shooting, communications, topography, and advanced first aid. Reservists who complete the course will take the military oath, receive reservist ID cards, and be enlisted in the reserve. Separately, Riga’s municipality will conduct practical exercises on Friday to test the construction of engineering structures designed to slow enemy advances in urban environments.
In Lithuania, the Ministry of National Defence announced on Thursday that the country had signed an agreement with the Netherlands to exchange and mutually protect classified information. The pact establishes procedures for secure information sharing and the investigation of security breaches, according to the ministry. The Netherlands is a major contributor to NATO’s Multinational Battlegroup in Lithuania and supports the country’s defense through air and missile defense systems and other initiatives.
Meanwhile, Vilnius City Council said it will no longer accept requests or complaints from residents in Russian, part of a broader effort to reduce the language’s role in public life. However, other Lithuanian institutions, including the State Tax Inspectorate and the State Social Insurance Fund Board, stated they will continue offering services in Russian. The Šeškinė Clinic in Vilnius said it matches patients with doctors who speak their preferred language or asks them to bring an interpreter if none is available.
Lithuania’s Economy and Innovation Ministry also warned of potential attempts to bypass EU sanctions following the sudden closure of Mere retail stores, which are linked to Russia’s Svetofor Group. Deputy Minister Paulius Petrauskas said the ministry suspects the stores may be rebranding under the name Ola to evade restrictions. The Financial Crime Investigation Service is assessing whether sanctioned individuals are connected to entities operating in Lithuania. The EU’s 21st sanctions package, announced last week, includes the owners of Svetofor Group and Russian businessman Sergey Shnayder.
Latvia’s State Police reported on Friday that they had arrested a technician who had been helping viewers access banned television channels. The arrest comes as part of ongoing efforts to enforce restrictions on prohibited media.
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