Latvian PM Andris Kulbergs is on track to lead a new pro-Ukraine coalition after his party wins the parliamentary election

From the Newshound archive · first published 3 October 2026 · last updated 5 October 2026.

Kulbergs' centrist United List party has come first in Latvia's parliamentary election, with the 47-year-old prime minister now expected to form a fresh pro-Ukraine governing coalition. The result keeps NATO's eastern flank firmly in the hands of leaders who back Kyiv, as Latvia contends with mounting fears of Russian hybrid attacks including sabotage, cyberattacks and drone incursions. The vote was held under reinforced NATO airspace protection, with Germany deploying four Eurofighter jets to Latvia for the election period.

Kulbergs took office in May when the previous coalition fell apart over its handling of stray Ukrainian military drones that flew undetected into Latvian airspace.

His nearest rival was the overtly pro-Russian Sovereign Power party, whose voters want Latvia to halt all aid to Ukraine and focus on cost-of-living concerns.

Latvia, which borders both Russia and Belarus, has pledged to keep defence spending at 5% of GDP — one of the highest levels in NATO.