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INSANE: Riga - The Real Truth

Welcome to the Riga and the Baltic military-industrial complex

Good morning. Angela Skujins penning this Friday newsletter from the bitter Baltics, where I’ve just spent the last few days immersed in beetroot soup, battlefield tactics and the scintillating spirit of the rīdzinieki, aka Rigan people.

Euronews

Five cheap European cities to visit this autumn, according to a travel expert

September and October are often considered the ‘shoulder season’ for travel

The Independent UK

Riga vs Tallinn: Which Baltic capital to choose for your next coolcation

UNESCO-listed Old Towns and Hanseatic League history await in both Latvia and Estonia, but there are some subtle differences to help you pick.

Euronews

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret Moscow visit: Reports

As per the report in Russian official media outlet, the aircraft, which originated from the Andrews Air Force Base near Washington DC, touched down in the Russian capital at approximately 10 am Moscow time (07:00 GMT). According to available flight tracking data, the heavy-lift transport plane followed a multi-stop route…

The Economic Times

Mystery US Military Plane Lands in Moscow With No Explanation From Washington or Kremlin

A US military aircraft's unexpected landing in Moscow has sparked intrigue, as neither US nor Russian officials have provided explanations amidst ongoing strained relations between the two nations.

International Business Times UK

US military transport plane lands in Moscow, Kremlin says it has no information yet

A United States military transport plane landed at Moscow's Vnukovo airport Tuesday. The large Boeing Globemaster flew directly from Riga, Latvia, arriving around 0700 GMT. This aircraft had previously arrived in Riga from a US airbase on August 23. The Kremlin stated it had no information regarding the plane's arrival.…

The Economic Times

NATO jets shoot down drone in Latvian airspace

RIGA - NATO said on Friday that its fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace, the latest incursion along the military alliance’s eastern flank bordering Russia.

Bangkok Post

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‘Fortnite on steroids’: the virtual gaming worlds transformed to train British soldiers

Inside Skyral, part of a consortium that won a £2bn MoD contract to help forces game out complex decisions

The Guardian - UK

Latvia becomes Lukashenka's latest pressure point for the EU

Belarus has shifted migrant routes towards Latvia's border, forcing Riga to call on its neighbours for support as the Baltic state heads into an election campaign. Lithuania is now considering whether to introduce temporary border controls to manage a rise in secondary migration from Latvia.

Euronews

Fairytale destinations across Europe that look too magical to be real

A new ranking of Europe's most enchanting destinations includes storybook castles, medieval towns, dramatic islands and ancient forests. Voted for by travellers and experts, the list blends famous landmarks with lesser-known gems that look as though they've stepped straight out of a fantasy novel.

Euronews

Russian secret services target Latvia as Ukraine's drone offensive worries the Kremlin

The Russian secret services on Monday accused Latvia without evidence of helping Ukraine strike Russian targets using drones, and threatened the Baltic state with military retaliation. But the targeting of Latvia by the Kremlin, which continues to deploy new tactics in its hybrid war, was no accident.

France 24

NATO fighter jet downs stray Ukrainian drone over Estonia

For the first time, a NATO fighter jet shot down what is believed to have been a stray Ukrainian drone over the Baltic country. Ukraine apologised for the “unintended incident”, while Russia threatened retaliation.

Euronews

Late warnings and a minister’s fall: Latvia’s air-defence failures revealed

Latvia found itself at the centre of a national security storm last week. A series of drones crossed into its airspace, sparking not only a fire on the ground but also a political crisis that toppled the defence minister and exposed deep vulnerabilities in the Baltic state’s military readiness.

Euronews

These are the top destinations in Europe for a last-minute trip

Whether you’re looking for a cultural break exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites or just want to relax by the beach, here’s where you should be headed.

Euronews

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Euronews

London, Berlin, Riga: AirBaltic expands winter schedule with new direct flights to Finnish Lapland

AirBaltic’s new connections to Finnish Lapland are expected to help showcase the region’s growing popularity as a prime winter ski and holiday destination.

The Independent UK

Disgruntled ex-MI5 IT worker leaked information to foreign state, court told

Ex-government IT contractor Juan Joseph, 42, is accused of breaching the Official Secrets and National Security Acts

The Independent UK

Is Riga set to be 2026’s coolest city break destination?

The capital of Latvia is undergoing a cultural renaissance, says Elise Morton. Here’s how to soak in its vibrant art scene, inspiring architecture and chic cafe culture

International Business Times UK

10 Budget Christmas Markets in Europe Offer Travellers Up to 70% Savings Compared to Paris

New research shows Eastern European Christmas markets offer two-night breaks from £509, while Paris and Vienna cost over £900, making Poland and the Baltics the smart choice for festive travellers.

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The Independent UK

These are the cheapest cities for Christmas market breaks in 2025

The Post Office has ranked the most affordable European destinations for a festive getaway

Euronews

Thousands protest against Latvia's potential withdrawal from Istanbul Convention

Signed by 45 countries and the European Union as of 2019, the Council of Europe treaty is meant to standardise support for women who are victims of violence, including domestic abuse.

Evening Standard

England winners and losers: Djed Spence influential in a bad week for Arsenal star

Good camp for Elliot Anderson but Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominic Solanke suffer setback to bid to make World Cup squad

Evening Standard

Harry Kane in form of his life as England thrash Latvia to seal World Cup qualification

Fit-again Three Lions skipper’s brace in Riga takes him up to 21 goals for the season already for club and country

The Guardian - UK

No jeopardy in Riga: the real tests for Thomas Tuchel’s England lie ahead

Qualification has been so easy it gives little indication how the side will fare against big hitters at the World Cup

The Independent UK

England have qualified for the World Cup but need to fix these issues to win it

Latvia 0-5 England: A superb performance in Riga booked the Three Lions their spot in next summer’s tournament but questions remain, not least how they will perform against stronger opposition

Evening Standard

England player ratings vs Latvia: Anthony Gordon relentless as Elliot Anderson rise continues

Harry Kane’s remarkable start to the season goes on as Jordan Pickford extends clean sheet record in Riga demolition

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