Conscription is back: Latvia reintroduces compulsory military service to defend against Russia

NATO member Latvia has reintroduced compulsory service as the country tries to deter Russia from invading the rest of Europe. Compulsory conscription came into effect here in January. It will apply to all men between the ages of 18 and 27, Latvia's foreign minister told The Telegraph.

Everyone will have to serve a year in the army, even if they live abroad. Latvia hopes to eventually have 61,000 combat-ready troops, divided between active and reserve units. Those who refuse to serve may be fined or imprisoned, although some exceptions will apply, including those with health problems, single parents and dual citizens who have already served abroad.

"We have reintroduced the project. We are using this to increase the size of our active and ready reserve," said Latvian Foreign Minister Krišjānis Karinš. 

Latvia has taken this step to strengthen its defence preparedness by bolstering its military ranks, expanding its reserve forces and replenishing its weapons arsenal in light of Russia's military aggression in Ukraine over the past two years.

Strengthening defences now means sending a signal to Moscow that Latvia and its European allies have protected their bases, Karinš added.

"We have to be in such a state of readiness that Russian generals and Russian political classes clearly see that the direction of Europe is off limits," he said.

As The Gaze previously reported, Latvia and its Baltic neighbours, NATO members Estonia and Lithuania, have agreed to create a "common defence line" along their borders with Russia and Belarus.

The exact details are still being negotiated, but the agreement will see hundreds of bunkers and other defences built along the border. The construction of a common Baltic defence line in Latvia could take the next decade and the costs would be significant, Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds said at the time.