Latvians vote for a new parliament as fears of Russian hybrid attacks loom

RIGA, Latvia -- Latvians are electing a new parliament on Saturday as pro-Ukraine Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs seeks a full term. The vote comes as the small republic on NATO's eastern flank contends with growing concern about potential Russian aggression.A political crisis in May over the handling of stray drones suspected to be from Ukraine brought down the governing coalition that had been under strain due to multiple other issues. The parliament, or Saeima, then approved a four-party coalition led by Kulbergs of the centrist United List party, previously in opposition.Latvia, like its Baltic neighbors Lithuania and Estonia, strongly supports Ukraine in its fight against Moscow’s invasion. It borders both Russia and Moscow-allied Belarus. Kulbergs, 47, is now seeking his own mandate from voters. “I hope we get a good result. This would give us an opportunity to make changes, put Latvia on the right track for defense and economy,” he said outside a polling station in Riga after casting his ballot. “A strong economy can only bring strong defense, so that is the mission for the next four years if I’m given the right to lead the country," he added. "Our party is ready to make chan...