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Reuters
Reuters
Politics

Latvia president calls for defence spending boost, compulsory military service for all

Latvian President Egils Levits speaks during an interview in Riga, Latvia July 11, 2022. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

Latvia may have to increase it defence spending and introduce compulsory military service for its citizens regardless of their gender to contain any possible security risks arising from Russia, President Egils Levits told Reuters.

NATO and European Union member Latvia plans to gradually raise its defence budget to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2025 from around 2% now, as it boosts security after its neighbour Russia sent troops into Ukraine in late February.

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