Latvian leader poised for big win in election shadowed by Putin

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' party is on track to secure the largest share of votes in Saturday's election, according to an exit poll. The United List, led by Kulbergs, garnered 35.6% of the vote, marking the best result for any party in Latvian parliamentary elections since the country regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

In coalition talks, Kulbergs and his allies New Unity and the National Alliance could secure 51% of the vote. This strong showing comes amid growing security threats from Russia, which has been escalating sabotage actions and warning of potential strikes on European defense manufacturers aiding Ukraine. To counter these threats, Latvia has bolstered its border defenses and defense spending, aiming to reach 5% of economic output.

The Baltic nation, a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia's invasion, hosts 20% of the Ukrainian government's data servers and is home to the largest Russian-speaking minority among the Baltic states. Kulbergs, 47, has positioned himself as pro-Ukrainian, with his government recently opposing the removal of Russian billionaires from EU sanctions lists.

To protect the upcoming parliamentary elections, Latvia has requested German fighter jets for airspace protection and is exploring France's nuclear deterrence initiative to strengthen its air defenses.