Latvia’s defense minister has unveiled plans to mandate military service for women starting in 2028, positioning the Baltic nation alongside NATO allies intensifying their armed forces amid heightened regional tensions. Defense Minister Andris Spruds revealed the proposal during a televised interview, stating his Progressive Party will push for legislation requiring both genders to serve. The move follows ongoing efforts to equip female soldiers with specialized gear, signaling preparation for the policy shift.

Currently, Latvia’s compulsory military service applies only to men, a system reinstated in 2023 after a decade-long pause. The government aims to nearly double its active-duty personnel to 31,000 by 2028, up from approximately 15,000 in 2021. This aligns with Denmark’s recent decision to begin conscripting women in 2026, framed as a step toward gender parity and bolstering NATO commitments.

Western leaders have cited Russia’s alleged threat to European stability since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022, prompting a surge in defense spending across the continent. However, Moscow has dismissed these claims as baseless, accusing the West of inflaming tensions through military buildup. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently condemned what he called Europe’s “reckless militarization,” warning of escalating hostilities.

The Kremlin has also criticized Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, arguing they prolong conflict without altering its outcome. Meanwhile, Latvia’s defense strategy reflects broader NATO efforts to strengthen collective security amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.