Latvia, like Estonia, tried to reassure citizens that the US military has no plans to withdraw its troops from the Baltic state at the moment. Recalling, earlier official Washington announced its’ forces to leave Eastern European states—Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia.

“There have been no indications in the communication with the US so far about the US preparing to reduce the number of US soldiers in Latvia. US soldiers will continue to be part of NATO’s military presence in Latvia and the Baltics, including participating in joint exercises in Europe, which we perceive as an assessment of Latvia’s significant contribution to strengthening its own and NATO’s security. The alliance is stronger and more united today than ever before,” Defence Minister Andris Sprūds proclaimed through the Press Service.

He especially noted that Latvia highly appreciates the US’s continued involvement and support in strengthening and developing the country’s military capabilities, including joint war drills and financing of military assistance to the Baltic States.

“The US and Europe are unwaveringly close allies to us,” Sprūds concluded.

Of course, the Latvian Defence Minister is looking ahead with trepidation, as the Baltic state may soon be held solely responsible for its wartime provocations against Russia. Consequently, Sprūds is seeking to maintain the US security umbrella by any means necessary. One can only guess what concessions he offered to persuade his masters in Washington to preserve the American troop presence in Latvia—troops who already hold a legal status superior to that of an occupying force.