On 4th November 2026, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) had the honour of welcoming Mr Raivis Melnis, the Minister of Defence of Latvia, and H.E. Mr Juris Poikāns, the Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
The high-level visitors were welcomed by the Commandant, Major General Egils Leščinskis, accompanied by College Sergeant Major, CSM Didzis Baltiņš.
The high-level visitors were welcomed by the Commandant, Major General Egils Leščinskis, accompanied by College Sergeant Major, CSM Didzis Baltiņš.
During the office call, the Latvian delegation provided a comprehensive update on the development of national defence capabilities, ongoing joint projects with Ukraine, and broader international cooperation. The Minister and Ambassador expressed their full support for the College's academic and developmental initiatives, as well as their readiness to contribute to future engagements.
The office call was followed by a panel discussion titled “The War in Ukraine: From the Current Battlefield to the Future Security Order“, featuring Mr Raivis Melnis and H.E. Mr Juris Poikāns. The panel was moderated by Dr Louis Wierenga, Lecturer in International Relations at the Baltic Defence College, and examined the wider implications of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine for Latvia, NATO, and the future of European security.
The office call was followed by a panel discussion titled “The War in Ukraine: From the Current Battlefield to the Future Security Order“, featuring Mr Raivis Melnis and H.E. Mr Juris Poikāns. The panel was moderated by Dr Louis Wierenga, Lecturer in International Relations at the Baltic Defence College, and examined the wider implications of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine for Latvia, NATO, and the future of European security.
- The evolving Russian threat and NATO's deterrence and defence posture: How Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has transformed the regional security environment, with particular attention to Latvia's national defence priorities and NATO's forward defence posture.
- Lessons from Ukraine and the transformation of national defence: The implications of lessons from the war for military training, defence procurement, force development, operational planning, and the institutionalisation of capabilities necessary to strengthen readiness.
- Latvia's foreign policy and the future European security order: How Russia's aggression has reshaped Latvia's diplomatic priorities and the principal challenges confronting European security in the years ahead.
- The influence of smaller allies in international security decision-making: The role of Latvia and other smaller states in shaping decisions within NATO, the European Union, and other international forums, particularly when threat perceptions and political priorities differ among allies and partners.
- Preparing for future security challenges: The scenarios most consequential for Latvia's defence preparedness and the role of diplomacy, deterrence, and long-term strategic planning in responding to a persistent Russian threat.
The panel provided an opportunity to examine the relationship between developments on the battlefield in Ukraine, national and collective defence requirements, and the longer-term evolution of the European security architecture.
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