The country planning on funnelling Putin's soldiers 'into kill zones' as they prep for war

As tensions simmer between Baltic nations and Russia, Latvia is ramping up its preparations for a possible conflict.

In response to fears of aggression from Vladimir Putin's regime, Latvia has reintroduced conscription and is bolstering its military capabilities.

For 21-year-old Matiss Lopsa from Rezekne, a town just 35 miles from the Russian border, the threat hits close to home.

Despite working in a cafe most days, Lopsa spends his free time training with the National Guard, opting to volunteer rather than risk being drafted unexpectedly.

"I thought the government might bring back the draft," Lopsa told The Telegraph. "So I decided to volunteer, to choose to do this myself now, rather than be surprised if I was suddenly called up."

Latvia's proactive approach includes expanding its armed forces and investing in new weapons systems, such as the Himars rocket system and air defence units procured from the US and Germany.

Collaborative efforts with neighbouring Estonia and Lithuania aim to fortify defences along the NATO border, where concerns persist due to the lack of natural barriers against potential invasion.

Estonia's strategy, focusing on directing advancing forces into "kill zones", reflects a grim acknowledgement of the potential realities of war.

Lessons drawn from conflicts like Ukraine's inform Latvia's military training, with a shift towards urban combat scenarios.

However, not all Latvians are fully on board with the preparations. In border towns like Zilupe, scepticism abounds, driven by concerns about becoming potential targets and the complexities of ethnic demographics.

Despite the uncertainties, there's a resolute determination among Latvians to defend their hard-won independence. Support for Ukraine serves as a symbol of solidarity and a reminder of the stakes involved.

As Latvia braces for the possibility of conflict, the nation's resolve remains unwavering, with a firm reliance on NATO support as a crucial deterrent against Russian aggression.