• Evika Silina resigns amid controversy over response to Ukrainian drones in Latvian airspace.
• The incident resulted in the resignation of Defense Minister Andris Spruds and prompted coalition collapse.
• Ukrainian drones, reportedly diverted by Russian military, crashed on Latvian territory.
• The resignation comes just months ahead of the planned general elections in October.
• President Edgars Rinkevics will consult party leaders for a new government formation.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina announced her resignation on May 14 amid a political crisis stemming from several drone incursions into Latvian airspace, specifically incidents involving Ukrainian drones that strayed into the Baltic state. These drones had been on missions aimed at Russia but crashed in Latvia, one causing a fire at a disused oil storage site. The fallout from this incident led to significant political instability as Silina's coalition government lost its majority after the Progressives Party withdrew its support, according to Le Monde, BBC, and Al Jazeera.

Silina's decision followed her criticism of Defense Minister Andris Spruds, whom she had dismissed due to his handling of the drone situation. She mentioned a “*failure of political leadership in the defense sector*,” stating on record that public trust had diminished. The political turmoil was exacerbated by allegations that drones had been intentionally diverted into Latvia by Russian electronic warfare tactics, as noted by Ukrainian officials, according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

In a televised statement, Silina remarked, “*I am resigning but I am not giving up*,” emphasizing her commitment to the well-being and security of Latvia despite the political chaos. The resignations and subsequent crisis have raised concerns regarding Latvia's defense capabilities, particularly given its geographical proximity to Russia, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

The ministerial changes and resignation come just months before Latvia's scheduled general elections in October, placing additional pressure on political leaders. President Edgars Rinkevics has indicated an urgent need to form a new government, emphasizing the importance of stability in light of current security threats from Russia, as stated in reports from Le Monde and BBC.