Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced his resignation on May 10, 2026, three days after Ukrainian drones violated Latvian airspace and damaged an oil depot in Rēzekne. The decision came amid growing criticism from the opposition and Prime Minister Evika Silina, who stated that the minister had lost her trust.

At a press conference, Spruds emphasized that he was leaving voluntarily to "protect the Latvian military from being drawn into a political campaign." He acknowledged the need to improve the air defense system, but noted that absolute security "is impossible in any country in the world."

The incident that prompted the resignation occurred on the night of May 7. Several drones, believed to be Ukrainian and heading for a strike on targets in Russia's Leningrad Oblast, entered Latvian airspace. One of the drones crashed on the grounds of an oil depot in Rēzekne, damaging four empty tanks. Authorities acknowledged that there was a significant delay in public warning systems, with local residents receiving alerts only after the explosions.

Spruds had previously announced his readiness to resign and accepted full responsibility for the drones' failure to be shot down. He explained that the military had not intercepted the aircraft over populated areas out of concern for civilian safety. The opposition insisted that this was the third such incident involving drones flying over Latvia in the past two years.

The Prime Minister nominated Colonel Raivis Melnys for the position of Minister of Defense, who accepted. Spruds served as head of the Ministry of Defense since September 15, 2023.