Thread by @jseldin

#Russia threat - "We are worried, of course" #Latvia Defense Minister @Pabriks tells #EUDefense

#Russia border areas near #Lativia "very affected" by #COVID19 per DefMin @Pabriks

"Any movement of person across the border is bring infections to us"

Also, #Latvia concerned about #Russia President Vladimir Putin's falling approval ratings, per @Pabriks

#Latvia also looking to upcoming elections in #Belarus

"#Russia might use this opportunity also to gain more influence in this country which again can put additional stress on our borders" per @Pabriks

#Latvia overall "we are very far from optimistic. We are worried" per DefMin @Pabriks

re #Russia

"From our perspective, #Europe should be engaged even more" per #Latvia DefMin @Pabriks on defense spending

#Latvia DefMin @Pabriks specifically talks @ trying to work w/#Germany on increasing defense spending

"Without Germany, it's difficult to imagine a safe #Europe" he says "It's equally very important that there is a good connection between #Washington & #Berlin"

"If the relationship is sour, it's not good for anybody" #Latva's @Pabriks says of US-#Germany relationship

As for proposed US troop withdrawal from Germany, "American military presence in Europe actually should be increased...a presence in Germany is vital for global security"

#Latvia - "We are ready to invest, to receive also a certain amount of American troops on Latvian soil" per DefMin @Pabriks

"We are ready to invest in this..." he says, if US pullout from Germany is "inevitable"

#Russia disinformation - "There is no 100% medicine against such type of strategic communication from #Russia|n or #Chinese side" per @Pabriks

"Technology is developing so fast that even the closure [of] ... Russia TV channels in Latvia or America would not 100% cut them out"

"We must be capable to react very quickly to these accusations and false news. We should transmit them extremely fast in mass media & also in social media" per #Latvia DefMin @Pabriks

"Bring your troops here - they will enjoy it" #Latvia DefMin @Pabriks tells #EUDefense