G20 Diplomacy: Latvia’s EU economy chief Valdis Dombrovskis said it’s “not the time to normalize” Russia’s presence at G20 finance talks, stressing Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine and the lack of any relief while fighting continues. Security & Mobilization: Latvia opened voluntary applications for the national defence service for citizens aged 18–27, offering 11 months with higher monthly compensation than conscription and multiple service tracks. Border Infrastructure: The government authorized expropriation of small private plots to build border, patrol and surveillance strips along the Latvia–Belarus border. Military Education Probe: A military school employee was suspended amid a new investigation into alleged unethical behavior, with law enforcement involved. Baltic Air Alerts: NATO fighter jets were scrambled after drones entered Estonia and Latvia airspace, while Russia issued a “devastating” warning to the Baltic region. Ukraine War Impact: Russian strikes hit Kyiv for a sixth day, killing at least 12 and injuring dozens, with fires reported across the capital. EU Policy Friction: Eleven EU countries backed a push to curb veto obstruction in foreign and security policy, proposing “constructive abstentions” and clearer treaty-based cooperation. Latvia Education Day: President Rinkēvičs urged calm, solution-focused dialogue as schools reopened on Knowledge Day. Nepal-China Floods: Flood death toll passed 1,000 with thousands missing, including dozens of foreign nationals reported unaccounted for, among them Latvians.