Russia criticizes US-Turkey arms deal for Ukraine as Latvia reports drone defense gaps

Russia has criticized a deal between the United States and Turkey that authorizes the re-export of approximately $280 million worth of American weaponry to Ukraine. The package, which requires White House and Congressional approval, includes 70 M39 ATACMS tactical missiles, 12 M270 MLRS launchers, over 2,500 M26 rockets, and 47,000 cluster artillery projectiles. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned that this supply of military material could deteriorate bilateral relations with both Washington and Ankara.

In Latvia, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs admitted that the country acquired anti-drone defense systems but failed to purchase the necessary projectiles to operate them. This admission follows a political crisis in May after Ukrainian drones entered NATO airspace, causing material damage in Latvia. The incident led to the resignation of the Defense Minister and the Prime Minister, ultimately resulting in the fall of the government. Latvia is currently working to create a unified system to coordinate actions between the Ministry of Defense and the Border Guard.