Latvia has declared its readiness to deploy nuclear weapons if NATO decides

Latvia is ready to allow the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory if NATO takes a corresponding collective decision and considers such a step necessary.

This was stated by President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics, ReTV reports with reference to the LETA agency.

According to Rinkevics, Latvian legislation does not contain a legal ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons. Therefore, in the event of a relevant decision by the allies, no additional constitutional changes will be required for the country.

“If such a need arises and NATO takes such a collective decision, nuclear weapons will be deployed in Latvia”, — stated the President.

At the same time, Rinkevics emphasized that currently no specific negotiations are underway about the actual deployment of nuclear weapons in the country. His statement concerns Latvia’s readiness to participate in the entire NATO nuclear deterrence mechanism, and not an already made decision to deploy weapons.

The President reminded that back in 2003, during the country's preparation for joining NATO, Latvia declared the absence of national restrictions that could hinder participation in the full collective security mechanism of the alliance, including nuclear deterrence.

Rinkevics also commented on the discussion about expanding the nuclear guarantees of Great Britain for the countries of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), which includes the Baltic states, Northern Europe, the Netherlands, and Great Britain itself.

As reported by Latvian Public Broadcasting LSM, the British side stated that the JEF countries are under the protection of Great Britain's nuclear potential. This primarily refers to strategic deterrence provided by British nuclear submarines.

According to Rinkevics, the presence of nuclear weapons remains one of the key factors deterring major wars in Europe. He noted that without such element of deterrence, the risk of conventional armed conflicts on the continent would be higher.

The statement of the Latvian President comes amid intensified discussion about Europe's nuclear security and new threats from Russia towards NATO. Moscow previously warned of the possibility of using nuclear weapons in the event of an attempt to isolate or attack Kaliningrad region. NATO in response called such rhetoric irresponsible and reiterated the defensive nature of the alliance.

Based on materials from: ReTV / LETA, European Pravda, LSM