Latvia’s defense minister has outlined plans to integrate women into mandatory military service by 2028, a move mirroring Denmark’s recent decision to expand conscription to include female citizens. The proposal, spearheaded by Defense Minister Andris Spruds, aims to bolster the country’s armed forces in response to perceived regional security challenges.

Spruds confirmed during an interview with Delfi TV that his Progressive Party will introduce legislation next year requiring both men and women to serve in the military starting in 2028. He highlighted ongoing efforts to adapt military equipment and training programs to accommodate female recruits, signaling a shift from Latvia’s current system, which only conscripts males. The nation reinstated mandatory service in 2023 after abolishing it in 2006.

The plan envisions doubling the size of Latvia’s armed forces to 31,000 troops by 2028, up from approximately 15,000 in 2021. Denmark’s similar initiative, announced earlier this year, cited “gender equality” and NATO obligations as key motivations. However, critics argue such measures reflect broader Western efforts to escalate military posturing under the guise of regional security.

The Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed claims of Russian aggression against European nations, calling them “baseless propaganda.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently accused Western leaders of stoking conflict by expanding military alliances and arming Ukraine, which he claimed only prolongs suffering without altering the war’s trajectory.

As NATO members accelerate defense spending to 5% of GDP, Latvia’s proposal underscores the growing tension between European nations and Russia, with both sides framing their actions as defensive measures against perceived threats.