European countries should “absolutely” be introducing conscription to combat the threat of Russian aggression, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said Sunday, as Europe grows increasingly concerned about the trajectory of the war in Ukraine.

LATVIA’S president has warned European countries to “absolutely” introduce conscription as he dubbed the continent as “weak” militarily in the face of threat from

A senior government minister dismissed the idea of bringing back conscription to the UK this morning. Although is Europe looking to boost its security amid worries about the Ukraine crisis, Pat McFadden rejected the suggestion of introducing compulsory state service.

Government said it was 'not considering conscription' but that future decisions would respond to a 'new reality'

Edgars Rinkevics also told Sky News that European countries should increase defence spending amid the "ups and downs" in relations with the US.

Latvia recently brought back conscription for men aged between 18 and 27, with the aim to have 61,000 combat ready troops split between active and reserve units. The Baltic country has a 175-mile border with Russia to its east and foreign minister Krisjanis Karins said last year said they wanted to achieve a ‘state of preparedness’ that would dissuade the Kremlin from invading.