Latvia heads to election under shadow of assertive Russia

RIGA (Reuters) - Latvians look likely to back their hawkish centre-right ruling coalition in a parliamentary election on Saturday amid increased tensions with giant neighbour Russia, Riga's communist-era ruler, over the Ukraine crisis

Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma has taken a tough stance towards Moscow over its policies in Ukraine, boosting defence spending and joining Baltic neighbours Estonia and Lithuania in pressing for a bigger NATO presence in their region.