Latvia Reinstates Mandatory Military Service Amid Threat of Russian Aggression

Latvian authorities have reinstated mandatory military service in the armed forces due to the threat of Russian aggression, announced the head of the republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs.

"We are doing this to increase the size of our active and prepared military reserves," Rinkēvičs told The Telegraph. He added that strengthening defense should send a signal to Moscow that Latvia and its European allies' bases are protected.

The aim is to have a capable fighting force of up to 61,000 personnel, divided between active and reserve units. "We need to be in a state of readiness so that Russian generals and political forces clearly see that moving into Europe is impossible," explained the head of Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mandatory conscription for military service was abolished in Latvia in 2007. Since then, the country has had only a professional army. Now, all male citizens aged 18 to 27, including those living abroad, will be required to serve for one year. Those who refuse to serve may face fines or imprisonment.