In 2007, Latvia abolished compulsory military service but will return it in 2023 for males 18-27 years old amid security concerns caused by Russia's war against Ukraine. Latvian Minister of Defense Artis Pabriks said two conscriptions are planned for next year. For the first draft in January, the Ministry of Defense will invite young people to apply for military training on a voluntary basis. Starting from the second half of 2023, citizens will also be conscripted on a mandatory basis. The government plans to attract about 1,000 citizens to Latvian army units.
Most Popular

Ukraine war latest: First footage of North Korean troops reportedly directing fire into Sumy Oblast released

Russian missiles pound Ukrainian cities in massive morning attack, energy infrastructure hit

Russia 'shoots down own Su-30SM fighter jet' during Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea, Sochi

Don't give Russia space

'Putin got scared' — Trump needs to be wary of Russia's delaying tactic, Ukraine lawmaker, experts warn
News Feed Show More
Saturday, October 18
Vienna had previously held up the sanctions over a demand that the EU compensate Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank International for losses inflicted by Russian penalties.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the meeting had not gone as Zelensky had hoped.
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said "both sides engaged constructively" with the agency to enable the repair plan.
A Latin American citizen was fatally stabbed after a dispute in the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, local police said.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported downing 136 drones launched by Russia overnight.
An electrical substation in Russia's Ulyanovsk Oblast is in flames following a reported Ukrainian drone strike, Russian Telegram media channels reported on Oct. 18.
Saturday, October 18
(Updated: )
"Hopefully, we'll be able to get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks," Trump told reporters before closed-door talks with Zelensky.
(Updated: )
The Crimean Wind Telegram channel earlier reported explosions and a fire at the site, with visual confirmation of burning fuel infrastructure.
Ruslan Lavryk reportedly has heart problems and needs hospitalization after prolonged captivity and torture.
(Updated: )
In Donetsk, a Russian ammunition depot was hit in a drone attack, with fires and explosions reported in the occupied city.
A co-founder of the New York Group — a collective of Ukrainian emigre writers — Tarnawsky helped to expand and redefine contemporary Ukrainian literature through his embrace of narrative structure experimentation and linguistic innovation.
Editors' Picks

Ukraine can't hold elections during war — but political advertising is already booming

Trump's two wars: Why diplomacy worked in Gaza but not in Ukraine

Zelensky strips tainted Odesa Mayor Trukhanov of Ukrainian citizenship, effectively pushes him out of office
