Stars and Stripes reports that “U.S. and Latvian forces are a week into learning the basics about each other, shooting each other’s weapons, comparing their home lives and discussing favorite sports teams. One thing that nobody seems to be talking about, though: Russia.”  

“Roughly 120 American soldiers from the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team arrived here last week to train with Latvian soldiers and reassure the country of the U.S. commitment to the region in the wake of Russia’s land grab moves in Ukraine.”