In response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Latvia reintroduces conscription.

"Latvia's current military system has reached its limit," Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks said on Tuesday.

"Meanwhile, we have no reason to believe that Russia will change its behavior."

According to the minister, military service is to be introduced in the coming year and will apply to men.

Pabriks also announced plans to build a new military base in the country.

The Baltic state abolished conscription in the years after joining NATO.

Since 2007, the Latvian Armed Forces have consisted of professional soldiers, and there is also a National Guard made up of volunteers.

The country with almost two million inhabitants and borders with Russia and Belarus currently has only 7,500 professional soldiers and national guardsmen.

In addition, 1,500 NATO soldiers are stationed in Latvia.

Latvia not alone

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has raised fears in many Eastern European countries that they themselves could become the target of Russian aggression.

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