AGP Executive Report

Global Defence Finance: Canada backs a new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank to fund rearmament, with Latvia among pledged supporters, but key G7 states like Germany and the UK are still holding back—raising doubts about whether the bank can secure the top credit rating it wants. Himalayan Disaster: China and Nepal keep updating the toll from the Nepal–Tibet floods and mudslide after a glacier collapse: China says 16 dead and 546 missing on the Tibetan side, including 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries—among them 33 Latvians—while Nepal reports 734 dead and about 2,498 missing, with warnings that more flooding could follow. Local Life & Culture: Ahead of 1 September, Riga’s 825th anniversary kite festival “Fantadroms” promoted children’s independence with a simple message: kids should be able to prepare their own meal. Sports: Moldova won gold at the first Ne-Waza European Judo Championships in Riga, while airBaltic marked its 31st anniversary and 70 million passengers.

Ukraine–Latvia Defense Talks: Ukraine’s defense leadership met Latvia’s Raivis Melnis to push faster delivery of key gear, including ground robotic systems, fiber-optic drones, “middle strike” capabilities and air defense, with Latvia reaffirming security support at least at 0.25% of GDP. NATO Security Focus: European officials say they have no sign Russia is preparing a conventional attack on NATO or Baltic states, even as hybrid threats and sabotage concerns keep rising. CIA Moscow Mission Fallout: Reports say CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s secret trip to Moscow included discussions aimed at ending the Ukraine war and Iran-related tensions, while the Kremlin insists he met only Russian intelligence contacts—not Putin. Latvia in the Nepal Floods: After the China–Nepal mudslide, 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries were still unaccounted for, including 33 from Latvia. Local Life & Culture: Riga’s International Kite Festival drew crowds, and a Latvian long-distance walker says his global trek is helping manage mental health. Sports: Latvia’s taekwondo presence continues with Riga Open G1 plans, while Ukraine and Latvia’s defense cooperation stays in the spotlight.

Baltic Security: Poland’s PM Donald Tusk says Russia is seriously preparing for escalation, with the next 7–8 months “critical” for Ukraine and the region, after the CIA chief’s surprise Moscow trip raised fresh NATO concerns. Ukraine War: Russia hit a Kyiv-area ammunition depot in Bucha with drones, sparking a major fire and detonations; officials report deaths and injuries as air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly. Latvia Storm Aftermath: Days after a devastating Aug. 22 storm, Latvia still reports power outages for about 2,500 customers, with insurers logging thousands of claims and PM Kulbergs criticizing the crisis response. EU Sanctions Fight: Belgium says “the door is closed” on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, pushing back against other EU states urging the European Commission to revive the plan. Disaster Watch: Nepal–Tibet flash floods leave at least 2,478 missing and 586 confirmed dead, with foreigners among those unaccounted for, including Latvian nationals. Local Diplomacy: Estonian President Alar Karis makes a farewell visit to Latvia, highlighting close ties between the two countries.

Storm Aftermath: Latvia is still dealing with power outages days after the Aug. 22 storm, with about 2,500 customers without electricity and insurers reporting thousands of claims as Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs criticized the crisis response for poor coordination. Baltic Security: Sweden will back Finland with Gripen jets and corvettes through at least end-2026, while Baltic Sea states are pushing for tighter coordination against hybrid threats, including drones and sabotage. EU Defence Funding: Latvia received its first payment under the EU SAFE defence instrument—€524.7 million—aimed at speeding up joint procurement and readiness on the eastern flank. CIA-Moscow Fallout: Ukraine says it received information from the US about CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s Moscow meetings, as Western reporting continues to fuel concern about possible Russian escalation toward NATO. Nepal-Tibet Disaster: Flash floods and landslides have killed hundreds and left thousands missing; reports say people from over 30 countries are unaccounted for, including Americans and other foreign workers. Latvia in Focus: Latvia’s military threat level remains unchanged, and the country also faces ongoing scrutiny over border pressure linked to Belarus.

Nepal-Tibet Flood Aftermath: Flash floods after a glacier collapse have killed at least 552 people and left more than 1,400 missing, with rescue efforts still hampered by bad weather and shifting casualty lists. Latvia in the Disaster: Latvia’s Foreign Ministry says it is tracking 39 Latvian tourists in Nepal; 34 are in two groups, and Nepal’s tourism authorities list six Latvians as missing, with no confirmed injuries so far. Baltic Security Signals: Latvia’s Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB) says Russia poses no direct military threat today, but its view of Latvia is increasingly like its pre-war view of Ukraine—raising longer-term risks. NATO Drone Pressure: Sweden will help Finland monitor and protect its territory with Gripen jets and corvettes, as drones have repeatedly violated airspace across the Baltics. US-Russia Tensions: Reports and commentary around CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s Moscow trip continue to fuel debate over whether Washington warned Russia against escalating against NATO allies. Local Economy & Transport: airBaltic marks 31 years and 70 million passengers; Girteka is shifting freight operations into Latvia and Romania with locally registered fleets and drivers.

Baltic Security: CIA chief John Ratcliffe made a rare, unannounced trip to Moscow, warning Russia against escalating against NATO allies—especially Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania—while also pressing Moscow to cut military/economic support for Iran; Latvia Response: Latvia’s PM said the country’s military threat level is unchanged and a withdrawn draft state-of-emergency measure for the eastern border region was revised after public concern; Russian Hybrid Warnings: Latvia’s foreign minister warned of Russian sabotage acts in Europe as Baltic officials step up defence preparations and urge faster action on resilience; Border Pressure: Latvia’s border guard chief said Belarusian services were likely aware of migrant tunnels under the fence, with another tunnel expected; Food Markets: Wheat prices jumped on escalation in the Ukraine war, with Baltic grain exporters seeing higher demand as Black Sea supplies are disrupted; Disaster Watch: Nepal–China flash floods and landslides have killed hundreds and left more than 1,400 missing, including large numbers of foreigners.

Latvia Security & Elections: Latvia’s election system check found vulnerabilities during Saeima preparations, with cybersecurity teams and SIA “Tet” running penetration tests and code reviews; one issue was flagged as critical and fixes were made before repeat testing. Russia-NATO Tensions: CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s surprise Moscow trip has sparked fresh Baltic alarm talk, but Estonia and Latvia say their Russia threat assessments are unchanged; Kremlin says Ratcliffe met Russian intelligence officials but not Putin, while Latvia’s PM Kulbergs urged calm, saying direct invasion risk is low. Ukraine Grain War: Latvia’s FM Baiba Braže said Russia is trying to “starve the world” by hitting Ukraine’s grain infrastructure, as EU partners push to protect exports ahead of winter. EU Sanctions & Ukraine Funding: Several EU states are urging the Commission to restart work on using frozen Russian central bank assets to finance Ukraine, after earlier legal roadblocks. Disaster Watch: Nepal–Tibet flash floods are now reported with at least 353 deaths and over 1,300 missing, including Latvians among those unaccounted for. Latvia in the News Abroad: A planned arson attack on Slovakia’s drone maker Skyeton led to charges involving two Latvians and a Ukrainian, with one Latvian detained in Germany.

Latvia’s Security & Defence: Estonia’s Wolfram Europa says it will invest €200 million in a new explosives and warhead complex near Jēkabpils, with construction starting later this year and production planned for 2027, aiming to boost Latvia’s defence-industry capacity and create 200 high-skill jobs. EU Budget & Eastern Flank: European Council President António Costa wrapped up a Baltic tour by pushing for the next EU budget to prioritize defence readiness, support for Ukraine and stronger protection of the Eastern flank, with Latvia arguing it needs around €7 billion to cover higher military spending and war-related economic losses. US–Russia Tensions, Latvia in the Middle: CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s unannounced Moscow trip—linked to a US C-17 flight that reportedly routed via Riga—has sparked speculation about talks with Russian intelligence, while Trump said the visit could “produce results” in efforts to end the Ukraine war and the Kremlin denied any meeting with Putin. Foreign Policy Dialogue: Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže discussed regional threats, including illegal migration and hybrid risks, with US Belarus envoy John Coale, who praised Latvia’s NATO commitments and defence spending. Migration Pressure: A report on Poland’s response to a Belarus-linked “migratory invasion” highlights how EU states are tightening border measures as hybrid pressure grows.

US-Russia Spy Ties: CIA chief John Ratcliffe made an unannounced Moscow stop, with reports saying he met Russian intelligence contacts but did not see Vladimir Putin; the Kremlin called the talks “positive” while details stayed unclear, as Washington also asked Ukraine to pause strikes during the visit. Latvia Security & Crisis Readiness: Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže warned Russia has increased “sub-military, sub-conventional” activity across Europe, urging sustained NATO vigilance; separately, a former NAF commander said Latvia’s storm response showed major coordination and planning gaps. Trade & Sanctions: Latvia approved new import bans on certain goods from Russia and Belarus starting September 1, tightening restrictions aimed at consumer imports. Storm Aftermath & Resilience: Latvia is still dealing with storm damage and power disruptions, while officials are pushing to improve crisis readiness, including how mobile networks hold up during extreme weather. Business & Transport: Baltic Ground Services expanded ground handling and fuel supply for My Freighter across Riga, Tallinn and Ostrava. Tech & Space: Redwire launched navigation sensors and space cameras, with manufacturing planned in Riga.

CIA Visit to Moscow: CIA chief John Ratcliffe made an unannounced trip to Moscow, flying a US C-17 from Riga to Vnukovo, with US media reporting “meetings” while the Kremlin says it has “no information” and no talks are planned. Ukraine War Fallout: Reports say the US asked Kyiv to pause long-range strikes on Moscow and other northern targets during the visit, as a huge drone attack on Moscow followed shortly after Ratcliffe left. Latvia Security Measures: Latvia approved from Sept. 1 a broad ban on imports of certain industrial goods from Russia and Belarus, including printed matter, textiles, footwear, toys and sports equipment, even via third countries. EU Defence Procurement: France is pushing to limit how long Ukraine can use EU loan money to buy non-EU defence supplies, aiming to keep more contracts inside the bloc. Diplomacy in Riga: Italy’s new ambassador presented credentials to President Edgars Rinkevics. Culture & Tech: RIGA IFF will open with the Baltic premiere of “Woman Unknown,” shot largely in Riga, while Kyivstar launched a Travel SIM eSIM for roaming mobile internet in 38 countries.

Storm Recovery: Latvia’s state forest damage from last weekend’s storm may take up to four months to clear, with access slowed by wet ground and heavy rainfall; LVM estimates over 100,000 cubic metres of damaged timber and says work is prioritizing roads and dangerous trees. Power & Payments: More than 250,000 customers have had power restored, but repairs continue in hardest-hit municipalities; meanwhile, the Bank of Latvia says about one in five ATMs (183 of 869) saw disruptions, though offline card payments worked where electricity and card-in-terminal use were available. Public Trust & Accountability: Latvia’s anti-corruption bureau KNAB says it lacks operational staff for complex cases, while LSM reported unsatisfactory storm coverage on Latvian Radio and the head of radio news service resigned. Ukraine Support: Latvia’s foreign ministry parliamentary secretary Dace Melbārde delivered the country’s UN Security Council statement on Ukraine’s Independence Day, as more than 50 UN member states called for an unconditional ceasefire. EU Budget Talks: European Council President António Costa begins a capital-by-capital tour on the next long-term EU budget, with defence, competitiveness, enlargement and support for Ukraine on the agenda. Security Flashpoint: A US Air Force C-17 landed in Moscow after flying from Riga, with both the Kremlin and US side offering no clear explanation.

Ukraine Independence Day in the spotlight: Ukraine marked 35 years of independence in Kyiv under heavy Russian attacks, with Zelenskyy urging allies for more money and missiles while warning he won’t surrender. A drone strike hit a crowded shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, killing at least 16. Coalition of the Willing: Leaders gathered in Kyiv to push air-defense supplies, drone funding and pressure on Russia’s economy, as Latvia’s PM Andris Kulbergs backed using frozen Russian assets (about €200 billion) to cover Ukraine’s damage instead of EU taxpayers. Storm and power crisis in the Baltics: A severe summer storm left tens of thousands without electricity in Latvia and Lithuania, with flooding and major transport disruption reported. Latvia in EU defense and security: Latvia’s PM also discussed targeting Russian launchers and accelerating drone agreement implementation. Baltic fishing rules: The EU Commission proposed 2027 Baltic Sea quotas, including higher limits for some herring and sprat, plus sharp by-catch cuts for cod and herring. Arctic summit: Finland will host an EU Arctic summit in September, with Latvia’s PM among attendees. Local angle: Riga’s “Sunflower Road” march in support of Ukraine is set for Monday evening.

Ukraine Support in Focus: On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Kyiv hosted leaders including Latvia’s PM Andris Kulbergs, with talks pushing air-defence supplies and tighter pressure on Russia as strikes kill civilians. Nordic-Baltic Diplomacy: The NB8 summit and a “Coalition of the Willing” meeting in Kyiv underscored continued support, with UK PM Andy Burnham set to join talks and EU Council chief António Costa also in the mix. Latvia-Ukraine Security Ties: Ukraine’s military intelligence chief met Latvian officials to discuss security cooperation and ongoing assistance. Russian Hybrid Pressure: Western reporting says Russia is escalating covert sabotage and cyber attacks on European arms makers, using local criminal intermediaries to keep attribution murky; Latvia’s own arson probe linked to Milrem Robotics remains part of the wider concern. Local Governance & Resilience: After last weekend’s storm, Latvia’s PM said services weren’t coordinated enough, while the fire and rescue chief urged everyone to plan for 72 hours of self-sufficiency. Courtroom Update: Former Bank of Latvia governor Ilmārs Rimšēvičs told court his alleged bribes’ details still haven’t been proven. Business & Culture: Three Baltic film projects won Italian Ministry of Culture backing, signaling growing Italy-Baltic co-production momentum.

Ukraine Support in Focus: Latvia will admit 200 more Ukrainian wounded service members for rehabilitation, PM Andris Kulbergs said during Ukraine’s Flag Day ceremony, adding that thousands are already being treated in Latvia and that the government has approved €4.96 million for medical services for Ukrainian civilians. Nordic-Baltic Diplomacy: Zelenskyy’s push for more air defenses and European funding continues as Nordic and Baltic leaders meet in Kyiv under the NB8 banner, pledging ongoing political, military and winter-prep support and backing faster EU accession talks. Drone Deal Moves Ahead: Latvia and Ukraine have entered a practical implementation phase of the Drone Deal, with plans for a “green corridor” to let selected Ukrainian firms transfer technology and for joint drone and anti-drone production. Hybrid Sabotage Concerns: Western reporting says Russia is behind a new wave of sabotage against European weapons factories under “plausible deniability,” while Latvia detained three suspects over an arson case tied to a drone manufacturing facility in Estonia. Storm Aftermath in Latvia: A powerful cyclone hit the Baltics, with Latvia reporting severe damage and major outages—hundreds of thousands without power and mobile disruptions—plus fatalities and transport disruptions.

Kyiv Diplomacy: Nordic and Baltic leaders—including Latvia’s PM Andris Kulbergs—arrived in Kyiv for Ukraine’s Flag Day and Independence Day, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha saying they’ll hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and issue “important decisions.” Storm Aftermath: A powerful cyclone has battered Latvia and the region, killing at least one in Jelgava after a building collapse and leaving hundreds of thousands without power; Riga airport warned of flight delays as trees and debris hit transport and infrastructure. Ukraine Support: Norway pledged about $9.2B for Ukraine in 2027, matching 2026 levels, while Denmark reiterated it will keep supplying weapons and air defense “for as long as necessary.” Security Pressure: Western reporting says Russia is stepping up sabotage against European armaments firms, while Latvia has detained suspects linked to an arson attack on Estonia’s Milrem Robotics drone supplier. Local Watch: Latvia’s National Guard marks its 35th anniversary with a ceremony in Riga despite storm warnings urging people to stay home.

Severe Weather: A powerful storm hit Latvia on Saturday, with red warnings for torrential rain in central areas and orange wind alerts across much of the country; power outages are widespread, with more than 160,000 customers reported without electricity as fallen trees and damage to the grid complicate repairs. Border Security: Latvia detained 28 migrants after they entered from Belarus through an underground tunnel near the border; authorities say it’s the second tunnel case in recent weeks, with irregular crossings rising sharply in 2026. NATO & Drones: Latvia’s security posture remains tense as NATO activity near the Russian and Belarusian borders continues, including reports of drone threats and alerts in the region. UN Ukraine Focus: The UN Security Council will meet on Aug. 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day, to discuss Russia’s war and its consequences, with Latvia among the European initiators. Culture & Film: Riga will host “Ukrainian Film Days in Latvia” from Aug. 28–30, featuring films on war, peace, identity, and history. Sports: In beach volleyball, Canada’s Schachter and Pickett upset world No. 1 Swedes to reach Montreal semifinals, while Latvia’s Tina Graudina and Anastasija Kravcenoka face Canada in the women’s quarterfinals.