Latvia's PM asks Europe for defence funding after election, cites Russia
Version 2: RBC joined the coverage, reporting Moscow's stated position that it has repeatedly stressed it has no intention of attacking NATO; no new details emerged on the Latvian prime minister's remarks or on the vote count.
In short
Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs called on European countries to provide financial support for Latvia's defence, saying the threat from Russia persists, in remarks made after voting in the Saeima elections. He ruled out restoring economic ties with Russia, saying they create a vulnerability Russia would exploit. With more than 60% of ballots counted, Kommersant reported his United List party led with 35.53% and 41 of 100 seats; RBC noted Moscow has repeatedly said it has no intention of attacking NATO.
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Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs called on European countries to provide financial support for Latvia's defence, saying the threat from Russia persists, in remarks made after voting in the Saeima elections. RIA Novosti framed the statement as a jab at Russia and a request for money, while Kommersant and RBC reported the appeal as a call for Europe and NATO's eastern flank to be supported more actively. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
“I think we are stronger than ever. But of course, the threat from our eastern neighbour remains, so all of Europe must support us, because at present we finance our defence with borrowed funds,” Kulbergs said, according to Kommersant, which cited LRT. He added that NATO's eastern flank — the Baltic states, Finland, Poland and Romania — invest more in defence than other European countries. He also said Latvia does not intend to develop economic relations with Russia because they weaken the country: “Yes, they can bring a little extra money, but at the same time they create vulnerability. And Russia will use that vulnerability.” [ 2 ]
Kommersant reported that Kulbergs heads the United List party, which after more than 60% of ballots were counted had 35.53% of the vote and 41 of 100 seats in the Saeima. Latvia First was second with more than 13% and the National Alliance “All for Latvia!” third with more than 11%. Commenting on the preliminary results, the prime minister said the outcome exceeded his party's expectations. [ 2 ]
RBC reported that Latvia's authorities called for more active European support for NATO's eastern flank and ruled out restoring economic ties with Russia, and noted that Moscow has repeatedly stressed it has no intention of attacking the alliance. [ 3 ]
Kommersant described the appeal as an attempt to shift part of the burden of financing defence from the national level to Europe-wide instruments. It noted that in December 2025 eight eastern-flank EU countries sought access to part of the funds earmarked in the union's 2028–2034 budget, including for strengthening air defence, and that joint debt obligations for defence projects, European Investment Bank credit lines and the European Defence Fund had been under consideration in the EU. The article ends mid-sentence while referring to an April 2024 proposal by Josep Borrell. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
Kommersant framed the appeal as an attempt to shift part of the burden of financing Latvia's defence from the national level to Europe-wide instruments, after EU debate over joint borrowing for defence, European Investment Bank credit lines and the European Defence Fund. The preliminary result leaves Kulbergs's party in a leading position, pointing to continuity in Latvia's refusal of economic ties with Russia, though the documents give no coalition or government-formation details.
Key facts
- Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs called on European countries to provide financial support for Latvia's defence, citing continuing threats from Russia, in remarks after voting in the Saeima elections. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Kulbergs said the threat from “our eastern neighbour” persists and that all of Europe should support Latvia because it currently finances its defence with borrowed funds. [ 2 ]
- Kulbergs said NATO's eastern flank — the Baltic states, Finland, Poland and Romania — invest more in defence than other European countries. [ 2 ]
- Kulbergs said Latvia does not intend to develop economic relations with Russia because they create a vulnerability Russia would use, RBC reporting that Latvia's authorities ruled out restoring economic ties. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Kommersant, citing LRT, reported that after more than 60% of ballots were counted, Kulbergs's United List party had 35.53% and 41 of 100 seats, ahead of Latvia First with more than 13% and the National Alliance “All for Latvia!” with more than 11%. [ 2 ]
- Kulbergs said the preliminary result exceeded his party's expectations. [ 2 ]
- RBC reported that Moscow has repeatedly stressed it has no intention of attacking the alliance. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Latvia's prime minister, Andris Kulbergs, called for European financial support for Latvia's defence, citing threats from Russia, in remarks made after the Saeima elections. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The remarks came after voting in Latvia's parliamentary elections. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Kulbergs ruled out restoring economic ties with Russia. [ 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- Preliminary election results: United List 35.53% and 41 of 100 seats, Latvia First more than 13%, National Alliance “All for Latvia!” more than 11%. Reported by a single outlet, Kommersant, which cited LRT; the count covered more than 60% of ballots and no final results are given.
- Kulbergs said Latvia currently finances its defence with borrowed funds. A single-source claim from Kommersant's report of his remarks; no other document states it.
- In December 2025, eight eastern-flank EU countries sought access to part of the bloc's 2028–2034 budget funds, including for strengthening air defence. Background given only by Kommersant, with no other document confirming it.
- Whether Kulbergs will head the next government or which coalition may form. The documents report only partial election results and give no coalition or government-formation details.
- An April 2024 proposal by Josep Borrell on the subject. Kommersant's article ends mid-sentence while describing it, so its content is unknown.
- Moscow's position that it has no intention of attacking NATO. Stated only in RBC's summary, without detailed attribution or a Russian government statement in the documents.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- RIA Novosti publishes its report that Latvia's prime minister made a jab at Russia and asked for money after the elections. [ 1 ]
- Kommersant publishes its report with the prime minister's quotes and the preliminary election results. [ 2 ]
- RBC publishes its summary of the post-election remarks and Moscow's stated position. [ 3 ]