The Saeima of Latvia approved the draft law "On the State Defense Service", according to which the country is returning to the practice of general military service. According to Delfi, the first draft will begin on July 1 this year, but it will be voluntary: those wishing to undergo military training will need to apply.
From 2024, one year of service will become compulsory for all males between the ages of 18 and 27, with higher education not considered a reason for deferral. Women will be called up only on a voluntary basis. The law provides for the possibility of performing alternative civilian service.
As the former Minister of Defense of Latvia and the main initiator of the adoption of the law, Artis Pabriks, told Current Time, the return to compulsory service is directly related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
“Looking at how the Russian army is fighting, looking at all the crimes in Bucha, Irpen and other places, looking at this mass of people that they throw into Ukraine like cannon fodder, we understand that we, small countries, do not have enough current resources. Our army and reservists, whom we train as professionals and volunteers, are not enough to keep Russia from attacking Latvia. It is clear that we are a small country, we cannot defeat Russia. But we can show Russia what Finland was able to show her in 1939: that you can attack us, but it will cost you dearly.”
Universal conscription was abolished in Latvia in 2007, a few years after the country joined NATO. Since then, the Latvian army has been professional.