Provisional results say Latvian Prime Minister Karins has won the re-election. The result aligned the exit poll prediction that said Karin's new Unity party would claim victory.

Latvia Elections: Centrist-Right party set for poll victory, PM Karins to head another coalition

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins's party was headed for victory in&nbsp;Latvia's general election on Saturday, according to an exit poll which also showed major setbacks for parties representing the Baltic state's large Russian-speaking minority.

The poll put Karins's New Unity in first place with 22.5 percent and said Harmony, a social-democratic party that has won the vote in recent years, could fail to make the threshold for entering parliament.

Latvians voted in the shadow of neighbouring Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with many concerned about Russian aggression and expansionism.

National security and support for Ukraine were key issues for many voters, as well as the need for stability in this country of 1.8 million people on the eastern edge of the European Union and NATO.

"The election results look rather promising for my own party but it's a little early to say," Karins told reporters after polls closed.

Regarding Russian threats, Karins said: "Neither I nor my government nor my country reacts on fear.

"We will continue to invest in our own defence as a NATO member state," he added.

Karins said he expected the consultations on forming a new government to begin on Monday.

Political expert Marcis Krastins said Karins was "most likely" to win, depending on how many smaller parties supporting him&nbsp;get past the five percent threshold for entering parliament.

"Russians invading Ukraine helps Karins to secure voters in&nbsp;Latvia&nbsp;because in such times people tend to rally around the flag," Krastins said.

The exit poll showed the United List, which includes the Greens and regional parties, coming in second place with 11.5 percent followed by the Green Farmers Union with 10.9 percent and National Alliance with 8.4 percent.

According to the exit poll, only one party representing the Russian-speaking minority, called Stability!, would scrape past the threshold to enter parliament with 5.4 percent.

The minority makes up around 30 percent of the population.&nbsp;

Solidarity with Ukraine&nbsp;

One voter said he made his decision based on the conflict raging nearby.

"I am 83 years old, I lived through Soviet and German military occupations... I am today making my choice depending on which party supports Ukraine the most against the Russian invasion," Verners Karkliņs told AFP.

"People are seeing that we are already in a storm, but it will only get stronger, and it's making people think more about their future and their country's future," President Egils Levits told journalists after voting.

Ahead of the vote, Levits had warned people against backing politicians in the Russian-speaking community who "hesitated to clearly state who is the aggressor and who is the victim at the outset of the Russian invasion".

Referring to the energy crisis and economic difficulties, he had also cautioned against populists saying he was "highly sceptical of political parties and figures promising to get us out of this mess quickly and easily.

"I do not trust those who offer simple, and most often useless, solutions to extraordinarily complex problems," he said.

Dominated over the centuries by Teutonic knights, Swedes, Poles, then Russians,&nbsp;Latvia&nbsp;gained independence in 1918 before finding itself under Soviet occupation in 1944-1990.

Identity challenged?

Along with inhabitants of nearby Poland and their Baltic neighbours Lithuania and Estonia, many Latvians feel their country is vulnerable even though it is in the EU and NATO.

The outgoing government has shown strong support for Ukraine, hiked defence spending and worked towards greater energy security.

The Harmony party condemned Russia's invasion but has been less vocal about accusations that Russian forces are carrying out human rights atrocities.

Some Russian speakers in&nbsp;Latvia&nbsp;said that Latvian attitudes towards them have deteriorated since the war started and feel their linguistic and cultural identity is being challenged.

"In&nbsp;Latvia, Russian-speakers are in a way collateral victims of the war," said Miroslavs Mitrofanovs, co-chairman of the Latvian Russian Union party, which scored only 3.2 percent in the exit poll.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins's party was headed for victory in Latvia's general election on Saturday, according to an exit poll which also showed major setbacks for parties representing the Baltic state's large Russian-speaking minority.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins's party was headed for victory in Latvia's general election on Saturday, according to an exit poll which also showed major setbacks for parties representing the Baltic state's large Russian-speaking minority. The poll put Karins's New Unity in first place with 22.5 percent and said Harmony, a social-democratic party that has won the vote in recent years, could fail to make the threshold for entering parliament. Latvians voted in the shadow of neighbouring Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with many concerned about Russian aggression and expansionism. National security and support for Ukraine were key issues for many voters, as well as the need for stability in this country of 1.8 million people on the eastern edge of the European Union and NATO. "The election results look rather promising for my own party but it's a little early to say," Karins told reporters after polls closed. Regarding Russian threats, Karins said: "Neither I nor my government nor my country reacts on fear. "We will continue to invest in our own defence as a NATO member state," he added. Karins said he expected the consultations on forming a new government to begin on Monday. Political expert Marcis Krastins said Karins was "most likely" to win, depending on how many smaller parties supporting him get past the five percent threshold for entering parliament. "Russians invading Ukraine helps Karins to secure voters in Latvia because in such times people tend to rally around the flag," Krastins said. The exit poll showed the United List, which includes the Greens and regional parties, coming in second place with 11.5 percent followed by the Green Farmers Union with 10.9 percent and National Alliance with 8.4 percent. According to the exit poll, only one party representing the Russian-speaking minority, called Stability!, would scrape past the threshold to enter parliament with 5.4 percent. The minority makes up around 30 percent of the population. Solidarity with Ukraine One voter said he made his decision based on the conflict raging nearby. "I am 83 years old, I lived through Soviet and German military occupations... I am today making my choice depending on which party supports Ukraine the most against the Russian invasion," Verners Karkliņs told AFP. "People are seeing that we are already in a storm, but it will only get stronger, and it's making people think more about their future and their country's future," President Egils Levits told journalists after voting. Ahead of the vote, Levits had warned people against backing politicians in the Russian-speaking community who "hesitated to clearly state who is the aggressor and who is the victim at the outset of the Russian invasion". Referring to the energy crisis and economic difficulties, he had also cautioned against populists saying he was "highly sceptical of political parties and figures promising to get us out of this mess quickly and easily. "I do not trust those who offer simple, and most often useless, solutions to extraordinarily complex problems," he said. Dominated over the centuries by Teutonic knights, Swedes, Poles, then Russians, Latvia gained independence in 1918 before finding itself under Soviet occupation in 1944-1990. Identity challenged? Along with inhabitants of nearby Poland and their Baltic neighbours Lithuania and Estonia, many Latvians feel their country is vulnerable even though it is in the EU and NATO. The outgoing government has shown strong support for Ukraine, hiked defence spending and worked towards greater energy security. The Harmony party condemned Russia's invasion but has been less vocal about accusations that Russian forces are carrying out human rights atrocities. Some Russian speakers in Latvia said that Latvian attitudes towards them have deteriorated since the war started and feel their linguistic and cultural identity is being challenged. "In Latvia, Russian-speakers are in a way collateral victims of the war," said Miroslavs Mitrofanovs, co-chairman of the Latvian Russian Union party, which scored only 3.2 percent in the exit poll.

Centrists set to win Latvia election in shadow of Ukraine war

Polls predict that Prime Minister Karin might win. His victory could widen a growing rift between the Latvian population some of whom speak Russian amid widespread national anger over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Latvians vote for parliamentary elections, polls predict PM Karin's victory

The US armed forces have deployed HIMARS rocket launchers to Latvia during a NATO exercise. The same HIMARS rocket launchers are also currently in use by the Ukrainian army.

U.S. Armed Forces deploy HIMARS rocket launchers to Latvia during NATO exercise

Four people are feared dead after a private plane reportedly carrying “a family” crashed into the Baltic Sea off the Latvia coast after “rapidly losing altitude”, according to Daily Mail.

NATO jets scrambled to intercept the Austrian-registered Cessna 551 aircraft before it crashed into the sea.

According to FlightRadar24 data, the private jet took off from southern Spain without a destination.&nbsp;Before heading straight over the Baltic, the plane turned twice at Paris and Cologne and passed near the Swedish island of Gotland.&nbsp;

German news site Bild reported that the plane was to land at Cologne-Bonn airport, Germany, but it faced pressure problems in the cabin shortly after the take-off.

According to local reports, four people were on board the plane including the pilot, a man, a woman and their daughter.

Though rescue efforts are underway, officials have warned that the chance of finding survivors is slim.

“We've learned that the plane has crashed (in the ocean) north-west of the town of Ventspils in Latvia,” Daily Mail quoted a spokesperson for Sweden's rescue service, adding that the plane “has disappeared from the radar”.

The Mirror reported that the Swedish Maritime Administration has dispatched rescue boats, planes and a helicopter to the crash site, with the country's coast guards confirming that the wreckage has been found.

Earlier, a Lithuanian air force spokesperson informed that fighter aircraft from the NATO Baltic Air Police mission in Amari airfield in Estonia had taken off to follow the plane, without giving any more details.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Four people are feared dead after a private plane reportedly carrying “a family” crashed into the Baltic Sea off the Latvia coast after “rapidly losing altitude”, according to Daily Mail.

Four people are feared dead after a private plane reportedly carrying “a family” crashed into the Baltic Sea off the Latvia coast after “rapidly losing altitude”, according to Daily Mail. NATO jets scrambled to intercept the Austrian-registered Cessna 551 aircraft before it crashed into the sea. According to FlightRadar24 data, the private jet took off from southern Spain without a destination. Before heading straight over the Baltic, the plane turned twice at Paris and Cologne and passed near the Swedish island of Gotland. German news site Bild reported that the plane was to land at Cologne-Bonn airport, Germany, but it faced pressure problems in the cabin shortly after the take-off. According to local reports, four people were on board the plane including the pilot, a man, a woman and their daughter. Though rescue efforts are underway, officials have warned that the chance of finding survivors is slim. “We've learned that the plane has crashed (in the ocean) north-west of the town of Ventspils in Latvia,” Daily Mail quoted a spokesperson for Sweden's rescue service, adding that the plane “has disappeared from the radar”. The Mirror reported that the Swedish Maritime Administration has dispatched rescue boats, planes and a helicopter to the crash site, with the country's coast guards confirming that the wreckage has been found. Earlier, a Lithuanian air force spokesperson informed that fighter aircraft from the NATO Baltic Air Police mission in Amari airfield in Estonia had taken off to follow the plane, without giving any more details. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Four feared dead after private jet crashes into Baltic Sea off Latvia coast

Estonia, Latvia left China-led forum and '17+1' group now reduced to '14+1'. Estonia did not attend any meeting since February 2021.

Estonia, Latvia leave China-led forum; major diplomatic blow to Beijing

As China increases military pressure on Taiwan, an island it claims as its own territory, and deepens connections with Russia even as the invasion of Ukraine continue, Latvia and Estonia withdrew from a China cooperation group on Thursday.

The two countries followed in the footsteps of Baltic neighbour Lithuania which withdrew last year.&nbsp;

Lithuania's ties with China had deteriorated after the former permitted Taiwan to establish a de facto embassy last&nbsp;year. The nation also endorsed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. A move which China called "erroneous" accusing the Baltic NATO nation of violating the one-China principle.

Watch |&nbsp;Taiwan rejects China's 'one country, two systems' plan

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Croatia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia are some of the nations that are still part of the cooperation arrangement.

Both Latvia and Estonia said in comments released on Thursday that they will keep pursuing "constructive and pragmatic relations with China" while upholding the rules-based global order and human rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-tells-officials-if-you-want-victory-for-ukraine-stop-talking-to-press-506073" hreflang="en">Volodymyr Zelensky tells officials, 'if you want victory for Ukraine' stop talking to press</a>

In recent days, western criticism of China's escalating military pressure on democratically ruled Taiwan has risen.&nbsp;

Latvia's&nbsp;continued membership in the China group, according to the country's&nbsp;foreign ministry, is&nbsp;"no longer in line with our strategic objectives in the current international environment."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-visit-to-saudi-arabia-chinese-foreign-ministry-says-no-information-to-offer-505993" hreflang="en">Xi Jinping's visit to Saudi Arabia: Chinese foreign ministry says no information to offer</a>

The country recently on Thursday adopted a vote recognising "Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism," while calling on other like-minded countries to express the same view.

Latvian MPs also declared that Russia's actions in Ukraine amount to "targeted genocide against the Ukrainian people".

(With inputs from agencies)

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As China increases military pressure on Taiwan, an island it claims as its own territory, and deepens connections with Russia even as the invasion of Ukraine continue, Latvia and Estonia withdrew from a China cooperation group on Thursday.

As China increases military pressure on Taiwan, an island it claims as its own territory, and deepens connections with Russia even as the invasion of Ukraine continue, Latvia and Estonia withdrew from a China cooperation group on Thursday. The two countries followed in the footsteps of Baltic neighbour Lithuania which withdrew last year. Lithuania's ties with China had deteriorated after the former permitted Taiwan to establish a de facto embassy last year. The nation also endorsed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. A move which China called "erroneous" accusing the Baltic NATO nation of violating the one-China principle. Watch | Taiwan rejects China's 'one country, two systems' plan Croatia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia are some of the nations that are still part of the cooperation arrangement. Both Latvia and Estonia said in comments released on Thursday that they will keep pursuing "constructive and pragmatic relations with China" while upholding the rules-based global order and human rights. Also read | Volodymyr Zelensky tells officials, 'if you want victory for Ukraine' stop talking to press In recent days, western criticism of China's escalating military pressure on democratically ruled Taiwan has risen. Latvia's continued membership in the China group, according to the country's foreign ministry, is "no longer in line with our strategic objectives in the current international environment." Also read | Xi Jinping's visit to Saudi Arabia: Chinese foreign ministry says no information to offer The country recently on Thursday adopted a vote recognising "Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism," while calling on other like-minded countries to express the same view. Latvian MPs also declared that Russia's actions in Ukraine amount to "targeted genocide against the Ukrainian people". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Lithuania, now Latvia and Estonia quit China cooperation group

Russia on Thursday accused Latvia of ''xenophobia'' after the country's parliament designated Moscow a ''state sponsor of terrorism'' over the Ukraine war.

Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram, "Considering that there is no substance, except for animalistic xenophobia, behind this decision, it is necessary to call the ideologues nothing more than neo-Nazis."

Calling for greater military, financial, humanitarian and diplomatic backing for Ukraine, the Latvian parliament had earlier said it ''recognises Russia's actions in Ukraine as targeted genocide against the Ukrainian people.''

Condemning its use of cluster munitions "to sow fear and indiscriminately kill civilians", MPs said they considered "Russia's violence against civilians committed in pursuit of political aims as terrorism".&nbsp;

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Urging the European Union to stop issuing tourist visas for Russian, the Latvian parliament&nbsp;called on the international community to impose on Belarus the same sanctions adopted against Moscow.

In response, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted "Ukraine encourages other states and organizations to follow suit."

President Vladimir Putin had called Russia's invasion of Ukraine a ''special military operation'' to "denazify" a country that it says is ruled by neo-Nazis.

Aimed at justifying an imperial-style war of conquest by likening Ukraine to the Nazi German invaders of World War Two, Ukraine and the West have dismissed Russia's use of the word as propaganda.

Since Russia's invasion in February, millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes and thousands have been killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Russia on Thursday accused Latvia of ''xenophobia'' after the country's parliament designated Moscow a ''state sponsor of terrorism'' over the Ukraine war. Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram, "Considering that there is no substance, except for animalistic xenophobia, behind this decision, it is necessary to call the ideologues nothing more than neo-Nazis.

Russia on Thursday accused Latvia of ''xenophobia'' after the country's parliament designated Moscow a ''state sponsor of terrorism'' over the Ukraine war. Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram, "Considering that there is no substance, except for animalistic xenophobia, behind this decision, it is necessary to call the ideologues nothing more than neo-Nazis." Calling for greater military, financial, humanitarian and diplomatic backing for Ukraine, the Latvian parliament had earlier said it ''recognises Russia's actions in Ukraine as targeted genocide against the Ukrainian people.'' Condemning its use of cluster munitions "to sow fear and indiscriminately kill civilians", MPs said they considered "Russia's violence against civilians committed in pursuit of political aims as terrorism". × Urging the European Union to stop issuing tourist visas for Russian, the Latvian parliament called on the international community to impose on Belarus the same sanctions adopted against Moscow. In response, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted "Ukraine encourages other states and organizations to follow suit." President Vladimir Putin had called Russia's invasion of Ukraine a ''special military operation'' to "denazify" a country that it says is ruled by neo-Nazis. Aimed at justifying an imperial-style war of conquest by likening Ukraine to the Nazi German invaders of World War Two, Ukraine and the West have dismissed Russia's use of the word as propaganda. Since Russia's invasion in February, millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes and thousands have been killed. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Ukraine war: Russia accuses Latvia of 'xenophobia' after it designates Moscow 'state sponsor of terrorism'

Amid tensions of rising energy crisis in Europe, Latvia has become latest EU member state to stop getting gas supply from Russia.

Gas ban imposed as Latvian firm was paying in Euros to Russia

Russia has banned gas supply to Latvia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Latvia's FM called for a travel ban on Russians.

Latvia FM calls for a travel ban on Russians as Russia bans gas supply to Latvia

Latvia's FM calls for a travel ban on Russians as Russia bans

Latvia's FM calls for a travel ban on Russians as Russia bans gas supply to Latvia

A day after a prison housing Ukrainian prisoners of war was attacked, the Russian energy giant Gazprom on Saturday stopped supplying gas to Latvia, leaving scores of people dead. On Wednesday, Gazprom sharply reduced gas deliveries to Europe through the Nord Stream pipeline to around 20 per cent of its capacity. In June, it repeatedly cut gas deliveries to Europe.

The state-run Russian corporation had previously declared it will reduce its supply to 33 million cubic metres per day, or half of what it has been supplying since service was restored last week after a 10-day maintenance period. In response to Western sanctions over Moscow's role in Ukraine, European Union member states have accused Russia of restricting supplies.

One of the pipeline's final two working turbines has been shut down, according to Gazprom, because of the "technical condition of the engine." The reduced supply has been attributed to EU sanctions by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This week, the EU approved a plan to cut back on gas use in solidarity with Germany, where the Nord Stream pipeline is located, and issued a warning against Russian "blackmail".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-wickedest-city-on-earth-was-submerged-by-natures-wrath-502021">How ‘wickedest city on earth’ was submerged by nature's wrath</a>

A day after Kyiv was accused of using US-provided long-range missiles to attack a prison in Russian-controlled territory in an "egregious provocation" meant to prevent captured soldiers from turning themselves in, Russia's defence ministry continued to launch strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities on Saturday. They included the Ukrainian military who had given up after weeks of resistance to Russia's merciless bombing of the expansive Azovstal steelworks in the coastal city of Mariupol, it was reported on Saturday.

(with inputs from agencies)

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A day after a prison housing Ukrainian prisoners of war was attacked, the Russian energy giant Gazprom on Saturday stopped supplying gas to Latvia, leaving scores of people dead.

A day after a prison housing Ukrainian prisoners of war was attacked, the Russian energy giant Gazprom on Saturday stopped supplying gas to Latvia, leaving scores of people dead. On Wednesday, Gazprom sharply reduced gas deliveries to Europe through the Nord Stream pipeline to around 20 per cent of its capacity. In June, it repeatedly cut gas deliveries to Europe. The state-run Russian corporation had previously declared it will reduce its supply to 33 million cubic metres per day, or half of what it has been supplying since service was restored last week after a 10-day maintenance period. In response to Western sanctions over Moscow's role in Ukraine, European Union member states have accused Russia of restricting supplies. One of the pipeline's final two working turbines has been shut down, according to Gazprom, because of the "technical condition of the engine." The reduced supply has been attributed to EU sanctions by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This week, the EU approved a plan to cut back on gas use in solidarity with Germany, where the Nord Stream pipeline is located, and issued a warning against Russian "blackmail". Also Read: How ‘wickedest city on earth’ was submerged by nature's wrath A day after Kyiv was accused of using US-provided long-range missiles to attack a prison in Russian-controlled territory in an "egregious provocation" meant to prevent captured soldiers from turning themselves in, Russia's defence ministry continued to launch strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities on Saturday. They included the Ukrainian military who had given up after weeks of resistance to Russia's merciless bombing of the expansive Azovstal steelworks in the coastal city of Mariupol, it was reported on Saturday. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia halts gas supply to Latvia following deadly prison attack

Taking a strict stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has ordered the closure of two Russian consulates in the country and told staff to leave the country.&nbsp;

A report by Sputnik mentioned that Latvia will also expel 13 Russian diplomats because of the "unprovoked and unjustified" military operations by Russia in Ukrainian cities.&nbsp;

The so-called "special military operation" ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 has left the country reeling as several towns and cities have been completely destroyed by shelling and bombing by Russian troops.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraine-had-no-option-but-to-negotiate-with-russia-to-end-war-but-will-putin-hold-talks-468562">Zelensky says Ukraine had 'no option but to negotiate' with Russia to end war. But will Putin hold talks?</a>

As per data provided by the Ukrainian authorities, hundreds have been killed, thousands are injured and millions have been displaced in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russia is also facing wrath as Western countries have slapped multiple economic sanctions to cripple and isolate the nation.

The country has also been accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine after mass graves and evidence of rape and torture were claimed to be found in the town of Bucha, which is west of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.&nbsp;

Fresh calls have been made to issue more sanctions against Russia after reports of Bucha atrocities emerged.&nbsp; &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-mums-write-family-contacts-on-bodies-of-their-babies-and-europe-is-still-discussing-gas-468513">'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas'</a>

As quoted by news agencies, Latvia's&nbsp;ministry said in a statement: "The decision was taken in solidarity with Ukraine in its fight against the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and war started by Russia."&nbsp;

Quoting the ministry statement, news agencies also mentioned that in Latvia, the consulates in the towns of Daugavpils and Liepaja will have to close and the staff members will have to leave by the end of April.&nbsp;

As reported by Sputnik, Estonia is expelling 14 Russian diplomats, closing the consulate in Narva and the office of the embassy in Tartu. Meanwhile, Spain expelled 'around' 25 Russian diplomats.&nbsp;

In response, Kremlin has said that Europe's expulsion of diplomats is a "short-sighted move".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Spain seizes Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg's superyacht for US

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&nbsp;

Taking a strict stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has ordered the closure of two Russian consulates in the country and told staff to leave the country.

Taking a strict stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has ordered the closure of two Russian consulates in the country and told staff to leave the country. A report by Sputnik mentioned that Latvia will also expel 13 Russian diplomats because of the "unprovoked and unjustified" military operations by Russia in Ukrainian cities. The so-called "special military operation" ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 has left the country reeling as several towns and cities have been completely destroyed by shelling and bombing by Russian troops. ALSO READ | Zelensky says Ukraine had 'no option but to negotiate' with Russia to end war. But will Putin hold talks? As per data provided by the Ukrainian authorities, hundreds have been killed, thousands are injured and millions have been displaced in Ukraine. Russia is also facing wrath as Western countries have slapped multiple economic sanctions to cripple and isolate the nation. The country has also been accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine after mass graves and evidence of rape and torture were claimed to be found in the town of Bucha, which is west of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Fresh calls have been made to issue more sanctions against Russia after reports of Bucha atrocities emerged. ALSO READ | 'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas' As quoted by news agencies, Latvia's ministry said in a statement: "The decision was taken in solidarity with Ukraine in its fight against the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and war started by Russia." Quoting the ministry statement, news agencies also mentioned that in Latvia, the consulates in the towns of Daugavpils and Liepaja will have to close and the staff members will have to leave by the end of April. As reported by Sputnik, Estonia is expelling 14 Russian diplomats, closing the consulate in Narva and the office of the embassy in Tartu. Meanwhile, Spain expelled 'around' 25 Russian diplomats. In response, Kremlin has said that Europe's expulsion of diplomats is a "short-sighted move". WATCH | Spain seizes Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg's superyacht for US ×

Latvia closes two Russian consulates, expels staff in a move against 'unjustified' war in Ukraine

Fears are mounting over Baltic states' security as nations fear that Russia will not stop with just Russian invasion of Ukraine and may encircle Latvia next.

NATO assures Latvia of support as Baltic states face threat from Russia amid invasion of Ukraine

High-ranking officials from the United States and NATO are all set to hold talks with Russia next week, but before that, NATO Foreign Ministers will hold a video conference on Friday.

NATO Foreign Ministers to hold a video conference ahead of talks with Russia amid tensions

Ellen White broke&nbsp;England&nbsp;Women's all-time scoring record as the Lionesses recorded their biggest ever victory by crushing Latvia 20-0 in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

White scored twice early on to take her level with and then past Kelly Smith's mark of 46 goals, before completing her hat-trick shortly after the break.

The Manchester City striker was one of four hat-trick-scorers on the night. Lauren Hemp netted four times, while Beth Mead and substitute Alessia Russo also registered trebles.

Beth&nbsp;England&nbsp;notched a brace, and there were also goals from Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Jess Carter, Jill Scott and Jordan Nobbs on a historic evening in Doncaster.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ballon-dor-winner-lionel-messi-doubtful-for-psg-vs-nice-face-off-due-to-stomach-flu-symptoms-433184">Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi doubtful for PSG vs Nice face-off due to stomach flu symptoms</a>

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What a night!! What a way to end 2021 😍 special group, so many records broken and goals achieved. Unbelievable from everyone 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/Lionesses?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lionesses</a> <a href="https://t.co/cSVuwxIgde">pic.twitter.com/cSVuwxIgde</a>
— Rachel Daly (@RachelDaly3) <a href="https://twitter.com/RachelDaly3/status/1465844018990960647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-british-number-one-johanna-konta-retires-from-professional-tennis-433260">Former British number one Johanna Konta retires from professional tennis</a>

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It's the joy in their faces for us 🥰 <a href="https://t.co/ajFvX5sKe3">pic.twitter.com/ajFvX5sKe3</a>
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lionesses/status/1465938967258288134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The result smashed the Lionesses previous record win of 13-0 against Hungary in 2005.

England&nbsp;also hit double figures last month when the sides met in Riga with a 10-0 win.

It was a sixth win from six Group D games for&nbsp;England, their first six fixtures under Sarina Wiegman - a sequence in which they have registered 53 goals and conceded none.

They lead Austria and Northern Ireland by five points with four qualifiers remaining.

Ellen White broke England Women's all-time scoring record as the Lionesses recorded their biggest ever victory by crushing Latvia 20-0 in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

Ellen White broke England Women's all-time scoring record as the Lionesses recorded their biggest ever victory by crushing Latvia 20-0 in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. White scored twice early on to take her level with and then past Kelly Smith's mark of 46 goals, before completing her hat-trick shortly after the break. The Manchester City striker was one of four hat-trick-scorers on the night. Lauren Hemp netted four times, while Beth Mead and substitute Alessia Russo also registered trebles. Beth England notched a brace, and there were also goals from Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Jess Carter, Jill Scott and Jordan Nobbs on a historic evening in Doncaster. ALSO READ: Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi doubtful for PSG vs Nice face-off due to stomach flu symptoms What a night!! What a way to end 2021 😍 special group, so many records broken and goals achieved. Unbelievable from everyone 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️ @Lionesses pic.twitter.com/cSVuwxIgde — Rachel Daly (@RachelDaly3) December 1, 2021 × ALSO READ: Former British number one Johanna Konta retires from professional tennis It's the joy in their faces for us 🥰 pic.twitter.com/ajFvX5sKe3 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) December 1, 2021 × The result smashed the Lionesses previous record win of 13-0 against Hungary in 2005. England also hit double figures last month when the sides met in Riga with a 10-0 win. It was a sixth win from six Group D games for England, their first six fixtures under Sarina Wiegman - a sequence in which they have registered 53 goals and conceded none. They lead Austria and Northern Ireland by five points with four qualifiers remaining.

England women rewrite record books in 20-0 thrashing of Latvia in World Cup qualifiers

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken addresses the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Latvia. Blinken said that NATO remains fully committed to fighting against terrorism worldwide and the US will use all its capability to aid in their fight.

NATO remains fully committed to fighting against terrorism worldwide, says Blinken

NATO foreign ministers are meeting as Russia and the alliance continues to spar over reports of military activity along the Ukraine border. Russia, meanwhile, has warned NATO against expanding its military infrastructure in Ukraine.

NATO and Russia spar as foreign ministers meet in Latvia, Putin warns west

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Latvia for talks with the country’s leaders and a NATO meeting as the alliance expresses concern about Russia’s military buildup along the border with Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Latvia for NATO meeting on Russia military build-up

A pasta order comes in and the robotic arm springs into action at the Roboeatz eatery in Riga. After five minutes of gyrations, a piping hot plate is ready.

The Riga cafe, located under a crumbling concrete bridge, is designed in such a way that customers can observe the robotic arm at work.

It also has a seating area, although most customers prefer&nbsp;take away since vaccination certificates are required to be able to eat indoors in Latvia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/first-instance-of-killer-robot-attacking-human-without-orders-recorded-in-libya-un-report-388344">First instance of 'killer robot' attacking human without orders recorded in Libya: UN report</a>

A Roboeatz app allows customers to order and pay for their dish before picking it up at the cafe.&nbsp;

"The&nbsp;food&nbsp;tasted better than I expected!" said customer Iveta Ratinika, a teacher and a member of the Latvian capital's education board.

Ratinika said she would encourage schoolchildren to come and observe the robotic arm in action and mused that there could be robots working at the school cafeteria within "a few years".

Kitchen design is 'real challenge'&nbsp;

Roboeatz was set up in January 2018 by Konstantins Korcjomkins and Janis Poruks, who have been running the Woki Toki&nbsp;fast&nbsp;food&nbsp;chain in Latvia since 2009.

Their aim? To revolutionise the fast-food&nbsp;industry.

"This robot replaces four to six human employees, reducing labour costs significantly," said Poruks, who has a background in engineering.&nbsp;

But he stressed that the introduction of such robots would not push up unemployment rates since "people are not lining up to flip burgers".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-a-cockroach-inspired-robot-that-cant-be-squashed-withstands-1-million-times-its-weight-396703">Watch: A cockroach-inspired robot that can't be squashed; withstands 1 million times its weight</a>

"The robot will not replace people who are willing to have a career in restaurants and catering, becoming chefs or other&nbsp;food&nbsp;celebrities. The robot will take those low-paid jobs which most people already do not want," he said.

Automated kitchen technology has been gaining interest in recent years, and that has been accelerated by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">pandemic</a>.

At a newly opened eatery in Paris, customers can watch robots build, bake and box up pizzas at a rate of up to 80 an hour.

In the US, a robot named "Sally" belonging to the startup Chowbotics can whip up salads sold through a vending machine.

And, for the ultimate household luxury, a UK-based company last year unveiled a fully robotic kitchen that will set customers back a minimum of £248,000 (291,000 euros, $347,000).

The designers of Roboeatz say it is designed to take over some of the&nbsp;food&nbsp;prep tasks while improving&nbsp;food&nbsp;safety and eliminating the infection risks of crowded kitchens.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/japan-is-sending-a-shape-shifting-miniature-robot-to-the-moon-388783">Japan is sending a shape-shifting miniature robot to the Moon</a>

During a visit by AFP this week, the robotic arm was programmed to make three different pasta dishes.

Its creators say it can be programmed to make hundreds of recipes, taking into account the owner's favourites and&nbsp;food&nbsp;allergies.

"The robotic arm actually makes the least trouble of all, we just programme it to do what we need," said Korcjomkins.

"The real challenge is to design and invent an entire kitchen around the robot, which should contain all the&nbsp;food&nbsp;ingredients, spices, sauces, rotating pots for boiling and frying," he said.

'As popular as electric cars'

The co-founders said the robotic arm would pay for itself within two years at most.

"On average in the European Union, one employee in the kitchen costs the company around 16 euros ($19) an hour, which includes salary, taxes, insurance, training and everything else," said Poruks.

"The robot does not need health insurance, its kids cannot get sick, it does not go on vacation or maternity leave, it does not complain and it cannot bring Covid from home to work," he said.

The company has big expansion plans with sales offices in Canada and the United States and a technical team in Riga to programme the robots.

The technology was shown off earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in the US.

The co-founders said they were unconcerned about competition from similar robots, such as the pizza-making one in France.

"Our robot is designed to do more tasks and jobs than just make pizza. Our goal is to create a robot that can be useful for many kinds of foods, cuisines and dishes," said Korcjomkins.

"Hopefully a robot in kitchen will become as popular as electric cars!"

A pasta order comes in and the robotic arm springs into action at the Roboeatz eatery in Riga. After five minutes of gyrations, a piping hot plate is ready. The Riga cafe, located under a crumbling concrete bridge, is designed in such a way that customers can observe the robotic arm at work.

A pasta order comes in and the robotic arm springs into action at the Roboeatz eatery in Riga. After five minutes of gyrations, a piping hot plate is ready. The Riga cafe, located under a crumbling concrete bridge, is designed in such a way that customers can observe the robotic arm at work. It also has a seating area, although most customers prefer take away since vaccination certificates are required to be able to eat indoors in Latvia. Also read | First instance of 'killer robot' attacking human without orders recorded in Libya: UN report A Roboeatz app allows customers to order and pay for their dish before picking it up at the cafe. "The food tasted better than I expected!" said customer Iveta Ratinika, a teacher and a member of the Latvian capital's education board. Ratinika said she would encourage schoolchildren to come and observe the robotic arm in action and mused that there could be robots working at the school cafeteria within "a few years". Kitchen design is 'real challenge' Roboeatz was set up in January 2018 by Konstantins Korcjomkins and Janis Poruks, who have been running the Woki Toki fast food chain in Latvia since 2009. Their aim? To revolutionise the fast-food industry. "This robot replaces four to six human employees, reducing labour costs significantly," said Poruks, who has a background in engineering. But he stressed that the introduction of such robots would not push up unemployment rates since "people are not lining up to flip burgers". Also read | Watch: A cockroach-inspired robot that can't be squashed; withstands 1 million times its weight "The robot will not replace people who are willing to have a career in restaurants and catering, becoming chefs or other food celebrities. The robot will take those low-paid jobs which most people already do not want," he said. Automated kitchen technology has been gaining interest in recent years, and that has been accelerated by the pandemic. At a newly opened eatery in Paris, customers can watch robots build, bake and box up pizzas at a rate of up to 80 an hour. In the US, a robot named "Sally" belonging to the startup Chowbotics can whip up salads sold through a vending machine. And, for the ultimate household luxury, a UK-based company last year unveiled a fully robotic kitchen that will set customers back a minimum of £248,000 (291,000 euros, $347,000). The designers of Roboeatz say it is designed to take over some of the food prep tasks while improving food safety and eliminating the infection risks of crowded kitchens. Also read | Japan is sending a shape-shifting miniature robot to the Moon During a visit by AFP this week, the robotic arm was programmed to make three different pasta dishes. Its creators say it can be programmed to make hundreds of recipes, taking into account the owner's favourites and food allergies. "The robotic arm actually makes the least trouble of all, we just programme it to do what we need," said Korcjomkins. "The real challenge is to design and invent an entire kitchen around the robot, which should contain all the food ingredients, spices, sauces, rotating pots for boiling and frying," he said. 'As popular as electric cars' The co-founders said the robotic arm would pay for itself within two years at most. "On average in the European Union, one employee in the kitchen costs the company around 16 euros ($19) an hour, which includes salary, taxes, insurance, training and everything else," said Poruks. "The robot does not need health insurance, its kids cannot get sick, it does not go on vacation or maternity leave, it does not complain and it cannot bring Covid from home to work," he said. The company has big expansion plans with sales offices in Canada and the United States and a technical team in Riga to programme the robots. The technology was shown off earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in the US. The co-founders said they were unconcerned about competition from similar robots, such as the pizza-making one in France. "Our robot is designed to do more tasks and jobs than just make pizza. Our goal is to create a robot that can be useful for many kinds of foods, cuisines and dishes," said Korcjomkins. "Hopefully a robot in kitchen will become as popular as electric cars!"

Robo-Chef 'cooks-up' the future, pasta in five minutes

Russia on Wednesday ordered the expulsion of seven diplomats from Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, in retaliation for the expulsion of Russian envoys in the wake of Czech accusations that Russian intelligence was behind a deadly 2014 blast. &nbsp;

Moscow and Prague are locked in their biggest row since the end of the Communist era in 1989, which has spiralled into a series of diplomatic disputes with other European Union and NATO countries as Russia's ties with the West linger at post-Cold War lows.&nbsp;

Russia's foreign ministry gave the three Slovak and two Lithuanian diplomats, as well as an envoy from Latvia and another from Estonia, one week to leave Russia.&nbsp;

Russia accused the four countries of showing 'pseudo-solidarity' with the Czech Republic, which ordered most Russian diplomatic staff in Prague to leave last week after accusing Russian spies of being behind the blast at an ammunition depot. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bulgaria said on Wednesday prosecutors were collecting evidence on the possible involvement of six Russians in four explosions between 2011 and 2020 at Bulgarian arms depots that were storing munitions destined for export to Ukraine and Georgia.&nbsp;

Russia has branded the Czech accusations absurd and dismissed the Bulgarian probe.&nbsp;

Moscow's latest diplomatic expulsions come days after President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to draw up a list of 'unfriendly' states that will be subject to restrictions.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday the list would soon be published. The ministry's spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, has already confirmed the United States would be on it. &nbsp;

Izvestia newspaper reported on Tuesday that the list could also include Poland, the Czech Republic and the three Baltic states. &nbsp;

The two suspects named by Czech authorities in the 2014 ammunition depot explosion, known under the aliases Ruslan Boshirov and Alexander Petrov, were reported by the New York Times in 2019 to be part of the elite Unit 29155 in Russia's GRU military intelligence service. &nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said after its publication that the article amounted to 'pulp fiction'.&nbsp;

Britain charged the pair in absentia with attempted murder after the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter with the nerve agent Novichok in the English city of Salisbury in 2018. Russia denied involvement in that incident.&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday ordered the expulsion of seven diplomats from Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, in retaliation for the expulsion of Russian envoys in the wake of Czech accusations that Russian intelligence was behind a deadly 2014 blast.

Russia on Wednesday ordered the expulsion of seven diplomats from Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, in retaliation for the expulsion of Russian envoys in the wake of Czech accusations that Russian intelligence was behind a deadly 2014 blast. Moscow and Prague are locked in their biggest row since the end of the Communist era in 1989, which has spiralled into a series of diplomatic disputes with other European Union and NATO countries as Russia's ties with the West linger at post-Cold War lows. Russia's foreign ministry gave the three Slovak and two Lithuanian diplomats, as well as an envoy from Latvia and another from Estonia, one week to leave Russia. Russia accused the four countries of showing 'pseudo-solidarity' with the Czech Republic, which ordered most Russian diplomatic staff in Prague to leave last week after accusing Russian spies of being behind the blast at an ammunition depot. Meanwhile, Bulgaria said on Wednesday prosecutors were collecting evidence on the possible involvement of six Russians in four explosions between 2011 and 2020 at Bulgarian arms depots that were storing munitions destined for export to Ukraine and Georgia. Russia has branded the Czech accusations absurd and dismissed the Bulgarian probe. Moscow's latest diplomatic expulsions come days after President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to draw up a list of 'unfriendly' states that will be subject to restrictions. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday the list would soon be published. The ministry's spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, has already confirmed the United States would be on it. Izvestia newspaper reported on Tuesday that the list could also include Poland, the Czech Republic and the three Baltic states. The two suspects named by Czech authorities in the 2014 ammunition depot explosion, known under the aliases Ruslan Boshirov and Alexander Petrov, were reported by the New York Times in 2019 to be part of the elite Unit 29155 in Russia's GRU military intelligence service. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said after its publication that the article amounted to 'pulp fiction'. Britain charged the pair in absentia with attempted murder after the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter with the nerve agent Novichok in the English city of Salisbury in 2018. Russia denied involvement in that incident.

Russia expels diplomats from Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia 

A Latvian father of two has taken his DIY skills to the extreme this winter by building a huge sledding track in his backyard in northern Latvia.

Latvian dad builds bobsleigh track in garden

Still in its fluffy baby fur, a newly born seal pup explored a snowy pool bank at Riga Zoo on Thursday (January 28), only two days after its birth.

Give mum a kiss: baby seal greets its mother at Riga Zoo

Riga residents joined a yoga class with a twist on Saturday (February 29) performing their poses while sipping from bottles of beer.

Latvians sip on beers in yoga class with a tipsy twist

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in Lithuania&nbsp;has stressed the need for collective action from all countries to tackle terrorism and also to isolate those nations who aid and abet terror.

"Terrorism is one of the major challenges confronting the world today. All the nations must intensify their collective efforts and strive to eliminate the menace of terrorism and also isolate nations which aid and abet terrorism," he said in a joint presser along with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Saturday. India has extended e-Visa facility to Lithuanian nationals for ease of mobility, Naidu said.

Urging Lithuanian businesses to take advantage of economic opportunities in India, the Vice President said, "We would also be happy to have Lithuania as our energy transformation partner as India plans to generate 100 GW from solar energy by 2022."

Both countries on Saturday signed 3 MoUs to boost cultural, agricultural and legal cooperation. The signing of the agreements was witnessed by Naidu and Nauseda.

"Diversifying a historic relationship. VP @MVenkaiahNaidu and President Gitanas Nauseda of #Lithuania witnessed the signing of three MoUs to strengthen agricultural, cultural and legal cooperation between the two countries," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

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Diversifying a historic relationship. 
 
VP <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MVenkaiahNaidu</a> and President Gitanas Nauseda of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lithuania?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lithuania</a> witnessed the signing of three MoUs to strengthen agricultural, cultural and legal cooperation between the two countries. <a href="https://t.co/PhPUAhWACb">pic.twitter.com/PhPUAhWACb</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1162764264450527232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Naidu is on a three-nation visit to the Balkan nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. He arrived in Lithuania on Saturday on the first leg of his visit.

The Vice President was received by the country's foreign minister Linas Linkevicius, India's Ambassador to Lithuania Tsewang Namgyal and others.

Naidu proceeded to the Presidential Palace where he was received by Nauseda. Both leaders held one-on-one talks and delegation-level negotiations to review the bilateral ties.

During the talks, the two sides agreed the need to make the UN Security Council more representative to reflect the realities of today and address current global challenges.

Lithuania has also backed India to have permanent membership in an expanded and reformed UN Security Council.

The Vice President received a copy of the book 'History of Lithuania' in Sanskrit.

"Happy to have received a copy of the book 'History of #Lithuania' in #Sanskrit. Lithuanian is the oldest Indo-European language &amp; it has strong links with Sanskrit. I hope that many more books on Lithuanian history, culture and society get published in Indian languages," read a tweet from the Vice President of India.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in Lithuania has stressed the need for collective action from all countries to tackle terrorism and also to isolate those nations who aid and abet terror.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in Lithuania has stressed the need for collective action from all countries to tackle terrorism and also to isolate those nations who aid and abet terror. "Terrorism is one of the major challenges confronting the world today. All the nations must intensify their collective efforts and strive to eliminate the menace of terrorism and also isolate nations which aid and abet terrorism," he said in a joint presser along with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Saturday. India has extended e-Visa facility to Lithuanian nationals for ease of mobility, Naidu said. Urging Lithuanian businesses to take advantage of economic opportunities in India, the Vice President said, "We would also be happy to have Lithuania as our energy transformation partner as India plans to generate 100 GW from solar energy by 2022." Both countries on Saturday signed 3 MoUs to boost cultural, agricultural and legal cooperation. The signing of the agreements was witnessed by Naidu and Nauseda. "Diversifying a historic relationship. VP @MVenkaiahNaidu and President Gitanas Nauseda of #Lithuania witnessed the signing of three MoUs to strengthen agricultural, cultural and legal cooperation between the two countries," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Diversifying a historic relationship. VP @MVenkaiahNaidu and President Gitanas Nauseda of #Lithuania witnessed the signing of three MoUs to strengthen agricultural, cultural and legal cooperation between the two countries. pic.twitter.com/PhPUAhWACb — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) August 17, 2019 × Naidu is on a three-nation visit to the Balkan nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. He arrived in Lithuania on Saturday on the first leg of his visit. The Vice President was received by the country's foreign minister Linas Linkevicius, India's Ambassador to Lithuania Tsewang Namgyal and others. Naidu proceeded to the Presidential Palace where he was received by Nauseda. Both leaders held one-on-one talks and delegation-level negotiations to review the bilateral ties. During the talks, the two sides agreed the need to make the UN Security Council more representative to reflect the realities of today and address current global challenges. Lithuania has also backed India to have permanent membership in an expanded and reformed UN Security Council. The Vice President received a copy of the book 'History of Lithuania' in Sanskrit. "Happy to have received a copy of the book 'History of #Lithuania' in #Sanskrit. Lithuanian is the oldest Indo-European language & it has strong links with Sanskrit. I hope that many more books on Lithuanian history, culture and society get published in Indian languages," read a tweet from the Vice President of India.

All nations must intensify collective efforts to eliminate terrorism: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-announces-250-million-in-military-aid-to-ukraine-228506">Ukraine</a> on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing its invitation to monitors from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to observe elections later this month, in protest against Russia's reinstatement in the body.

Russian delegates had been stripped of their voting rights in the pan-European rights body in 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine, but last week were allowed to return over strong objections from Kiev.

Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy on Tuesday said he signed a letter to PACE president Liliane Maury-Pasquier saying its monitors were no longer welcome at the parliamentary elections to be held on July 21.

"Representatives of an aggressor country, Russia, cannot be among international observers; they will be agents of a hybrid war rather than observers," Parubiy wrote on his Facebook page.

"Any influence by Russia on Ukrainian elections, by any means, is not acceptable."

Ukraine, together with Georgia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia had unsuccessfully tried to block Russia's return to PACE, but it was approved by a vote of 116 in favour to 62 against.

Russia's comeback is the first relaxation of the international sanctions that were imposed on Moscow for seizing Crimea.

Ukraine's snap parliamentary polls were called by the country's recently-elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-new-president-zelensky-says-ceasefire-first-priority-220138">President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> in a controversial move aimed at replacing lawmakers who he says no longer enjoy public support.

The legal status of Zelensky's move to dissolve parliament was initially disputed, but the Constitutional Court ruled that it is legitimate.

The Council of Europe on Tuesday confirmed to AFP that Russia paid its participant contribution of 33 million euros for the year 2019.

Ukraine on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing its invitation to monitors from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to observe elections later this month, in protest against Russia's reinstatement in the body.

Ukraine on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing its invitation to monitors from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to observe elections later this month, in protest against Russia's reinstatement in the body. Russian delegates had been stripped of their voting rights in the pan-European rights body in 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine, but last week were allowed to return over strong objections from Kiev. Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy on Tuesday said he signed a letter to PACE president Liliane Maury-Pasquier saying its monitors were no longer welcome at the parliamentary elections to be held on July 21. "Representatives of an aggressor country, Russia, cannot be among international observers; they will be agents of a hybrid war rather than observers," Parubiy wrote on his Facebook page. "Any influence by Russia on Ukrainian elections, by any means, is not acceptable." Ukraine, together with Georgia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia had unsuccessfully tried to block Russia's return to PACE, but it was approved by a vote of 116 in favour to 62 against. Russia's comeback is the first relaxation of the international sanctions that were imposed on Moscow for seizing Crimea. Ukraine's snap parliamentary polls were called by the country's recently-elected President Volodymyr Zelensky in a controversial move aimed at replacing lawmakers who he says no longer enjoy public support. The legal status of Zelensky's move to dissolve parliament was initially disputed, but the Constitutional Court ruled that it is legitimate. The Council of Europe on Tuesday confirmed to AFP that Russia paid its participant contribution of 33 million euros for the year 2019.

Ukraine says European observers not welcome at July polls

Pope Francis on Monday urged Latvians, who broke with the Soviet Union nearly 30 years ago, to cherish their hard-won freedom and to not forget the sacrifices of those who died for it.

Francis is visiting Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, three countries who are looking warily towards what they fear is a newly hostile Russia.

"You know all too well the price of that freedom, which you have had to win over and over again," Francis said in a speech to President Raimonds Vejonis and the diplomatic corps shortly after his arrival in the Latvian capital.

All three countries initially won independence from imperial Russia 100 years ago, were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, occupied by the Nazis during World War Two and were then satellite republics of the Soviet Union until 1991.

Francis said their tragic history should remind Latvians of the importance of treasuring freedom and independence.

"If today we can celebrate, it is due to all those who blazed trails and opened a door to the future, bequeathed to you that same responsibility," he said aid before laying flowers at the Monument to Freedom in Riga.

The Nazis, who occupied Latvia during World War Two, killed some 70,000 of the country's Jews and later the Soviets deported some 60,000 people to Siberia.

Recent events in Russia, with which all three states share a land border, have brought on new nervousness. All three are members of the European Union and NATO.

"The fates of the Baltic States in the 20th century is a living testimony to the fact that a divided Europe leads only to suffering," Vejonis told the pope.

As Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and fears grew that the Baltics might be next on Moscow's list, defence spending was increased sharply and several thousand NATO soldiers were deployed.

Pope Francis on Monday urged Latvians, who broke with the Soviet Union nearly 30 years ago, to cherish their hard-won freedom and to not forget the sacrifices of those who died for it.

Pope Francis on Monday urged Latvians, who broke with the Soviet Union nearly 30 years ago, to cherish their hard-won freedom and to not forget the sacrifices of those who died for it. Francis is visiting Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, three countries who are looking warily towards what they fear is a newly hostile Russia. "You know all too well the price of that freedom, which you have had to win over and over again," Francis said in a speech to President Raimonds Vejonis and the diplomatic corps shortly after his arrival in the Latvian capital. All three countries initially won independence from imperial Russia 100 years ago, were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, occupied by the Nazis during World War Two and were then satellite republics of the Soviet Union until 1991. Francis said their tragic history should remind Latvians of the importance of treasuring freedom and independence. "If today we can celebrate, it is due to all those who blazed trails and opened a door to the future, bequeathed to you that same responsibility," he said aid before laying flowers at the Monument to Freedom in Riga. The Nazis, who occupied Latvia during World War Two, killed some 70,000 of the country's Jews and later the Soviets deported some 60,000 people to Siberia. Recent events in Russia, with which all three states share a land border, have brought on new nervousness. All three are members of the European Union and NATO. "The fates of the Baltic States in the 20th century is a living testimony to the fact that a divided Europe leads only to suffering," Vejonis told the pope. As Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and fears grew that the Baltics might be next on Moscow's list, defence spending was increased sharply and several thousand NATO soldiers were deployed.

You had to win freedom over and over again, says Pope Francis to  Latvians

Google doodle honoured Soviet filmmaker and pioneer in the practice of montage, Sergei Eisenstein on his 120th birthday.

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Known for silent films, Eisenstein began his career by working in a Soviet experimental soviet artistic institution call Proletkult.

Eisenstein was born in Riga, Latvia and raised as an orthodox Christian but as he grew up he became an atheist.

In 1923 Eisenstein became a theorist by writing &quot;The Montage of Attractions&quot;&nbsp;for the group Left Front of the Arts, he also made his first film &quot;Glumov&#39;s Diary&quot; the&nbsp;same year.

Though his work was appreciated worldwide,&nbsp;but in his home, Soviet, he was under fire from the Soviet film community, forcing him to issue public articles of self-criticism and reform his cinematic visions.

He and his contemporary, Lev Kuleshov argued that montage -- the technique of editing a fast-paced sequence of short shots, was the essence of the cinema.

His articles and books like &quot;Film Form&quot;&nbsp;and &quot;The film Sense&quot;&nbsp;explain the significance of montage in detail.

He has believed that editing could be used for more than just expounding a scene or moment, through a linkage of related images.

He used to feel that the collision of shots could be used to manipulate emotions of the audience and create film metaphors.

Noted works of Eisenstein include,&nbsp;&quot;The Battleship Potemkin&quot;, &quot;October&quot; and historical epics such as &quot;Alexander Nevsky&quot;&nbsp;and &quot;Ivan the Terrible.&quot;

Known for silent films, Eisenstein began his career by working in a Soviet experimental soviet artistic institution call Proletkult

Google doodle honoured Soviet filmmaker and pioneer in the practice of montage, Sergei Eisenstein on his 120th birthday. × Known for silent films, Eisenstein began his career by working in a Soviet experimental soviet artistic institution call Proletkult. Eisenstein was born in Riga, Latvia and raised as an orthodox Christian but as he grew up he became an atheist. In 1923 Eisenstein became a theorist by writing "The Montage of Attractions" for the group Left Front of the Arts, he also made his first film "Glumov's Diary" the same year. Though his work was appreciated worldwide, but in his home, Soviet, he was under fire from the Soviet film community, forcing him to issue public articles of self-criticism and reform his cinematic visions. He and his contemporary, Lev Kuleshov argued that montage -- the technique of editing a fast-paced sequence of short shots, was the essence of the cinema. His articles and books like "Film Form" and "The film Sense" explain the significance of montage in detail. He has believed that editing could be used for more than just expounding a scene or moment, through a linkage of related images. He used to feel that the collision of shots could be used to manipulate emotions of the audience and create film metaphors. Noted works of Eisenstein include, "The Battleship Potemkin", "October" and historical epics such as "Alexander Nevsky" and "Ivan the Terrible."

Google doodle honours Soviet filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein on his 120th birthday

Germany today stressed its promise to protect its NATO allies after White House hopeful Donald Trump called the commitment into question. 
 
&quot;The German government is fundamentally committed to Article Five of the NATO treaty. That is the central promise of solidarity within the alliance,&quot; Chancellor Angela Merkel&#39;s spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters when asked about Trump&#39;s remarks. 
 
&quot;Collective defence according to Article Five is and remains the main duty of NATO,&quot; Seibert added, noting that the pledge had once again been renewed at a NATO summit this month in Warsaw. 
 
Under Article Five of the NATO treaty, members agree to regard an attack on one member as an attack on all, and promise to mobilise together to defeat the threat. 
 
In an interview published on Thursday in the New York Times, Trump raised questions about this vow.&nbsp;He warned that if elected he would only come to the aid of the Baltic states in the event they were invaded by Russia if he judged they had &quot;fulfilled their obligations to us&quot;. 
 
This drew a furious response from Estonia and Latvia, and outrage from Trump&#39;s domestic political critics.&nbsp;US Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday reaffirmed Washington&#39;s promise to protect its NATO allies following the uproar. 
 
(AFP)

Trump said if elected he would aid the Baltic states only if they had 'fulfilled their obligations', drawing outrage from two Baltic nations

Germany today stressed its promise to protect its NATO allies after White House hopeful Donald Trump called the commitment into question. "The German government is fundamentally committed to Article Five of the NATO treaty. That is the central promise of solidarity within the alliance," Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters when asked about Trump's remarks. "Collective defence according to Article Five is and remains the main duty of NATO," Seibert added, noting that the pledge had once again been renewed at a NATO summit this month in Warsaw. Under Article Five of the NATO treaty, members agree to regard an attack on one member as an attack on all, and promise to mobilise together to defeat the threat. In an interview published on Thursday in the New York Times, Trump raised questions about this vow. He warned that if elected he would only come to the aid of the Baltic states in the event they were invaded by Russia if he judged they had "fulfilled their obligations to us". This drew a furious response from Estonia and Latvia, and outrage from Trump's domestic political critics. US Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday reaffirmed Washington's promise to protect its NATO allies following the uproar. (AFP)

Germany stresses NATO commitment to allies after Trump comments

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