Latvia has been part of the Soviet Union for much of the 20th century, but in 1991 the country became independent - and now has an approximately 200 kilometer long border with Russia.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine therefore brings nasty memories to life.
Artis Pabriks has been Latvia's Minister of Defense since 2019 and today he is relieved that the country is a member of NATO.
- We feel much more secure as a member of both NATO and the EU.
Otherwise we would probably be in the same situation as Ukraine.
Do not buy Putin's lies
Vladimir Putin has defended the invasion by claiming that Ukraine is ruled by an illegitimate Nazi government that commits genocide against the Russian-speaking population in the Donbass region.
Artis Pabriks does not buy the explanation and dismisses Putin as a liar.
- These are pure lies and reminiscent of when the Soviet Union started the Finnish Winter War without warning by blaming everything on Finland.
All countries need to look after their security
The Russian invasion has caused concern throughout Europe and many countries are now reviewing their security policies.
Artis Pabriks is convinced that a possible Russian victory would mean increased pressure on the whole of Europe.
- If Ukraine falls, not only will the pressure increase on the Baltic countries, but also Finland, Sweden and all the countries around the Baltic Sea will be affected.
The Ukrainian military is numerically inferior to the Russian military, and in order to avoid defeat, the Latvian Minister of Defense thinks that the European countries are doing the right thing by sending weapons to Ukraine.
- We need to give maximum support to Ukraine so that they have the chance to resist.
Click on the clip to hear more from Latvia's Defense Minister and see more about Putin's relationship with NATO at the Foreign Office: Who is afraid of NATO? tonight on SVT Play from 19.30 or on SVT2 22.00