If the conclusion of military experts and security agencies indicates that dismantling the railway tracks on the eastern border is the most effective solution for ensuring Latvia's security, this advice will be taken into account in coordination between the Baltic countries, said Minister of Defense Andris Spruds (P) in an interview with the Latvian Television program "Morning Panorama."
"If the dismantling of the tracks is the most effective alternative, if the Baltic countries coordinate their actions and cooperate (...), if such an assessment is made, I will listen to the military's opinion, I will support the potential dismantling of the rails provided these preliminary conditions are met," promised Spruds.
When asked what other solutions might exist without dismantling the rails, Spruds replied that an alternative would be to prevent any movement by rail, preparing the infrastructure for rapid destruction, for example, by explosion. Another solution could be to block the railway lines using firepower — artillery systems and drones.
There are several possible alternatives, but it is clear that the dismantling of the railway is one of the options being considered first, the minister said.
As previously reported, the Saeima had earlier rejected a resolution proposed by the opposition National Alliance, which called for the dismantling of railway infrastructure on the Latvia-Russia border.
Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Liene Gatere (P) acknowledged at a meeting of the Saeima's Internal Security Subcommittee this week that there are currently no threats in Latvia that would necessitate dismantling the rails on the eastern border, but in any case, limiting railway communication is not a "golden solution" against a potential aggressor.
Spruds, commenting on the discussions about the possible dismantling of the rails on the eastern border, emphasized that no military trains of the occupiers will operate on Latvian territory. The Minister of Defense acknowledged that strengthening the border involves various actions and measures, starting with the installation of obstacles, acquisition of mines and artillery systems, as well as preparing the infrastructure for possible destruction. The relevant assessment is being conducted not only concerning railways but also land routes. Measures to counter mobility and create a defense line for the Baltics are being implemented in cooperation with the State Border Guard.
Commander of the National Armed Forces Kaspars Pudans said in an interview with TV3 in early December that the Latvian army already has plans to limit mobility by rail in the event of certain threats.
A number of ministries and security agencies in Latvia have been tasked with preparing a conclusion by the end of the year on what impact the dismantling of railway tracks on the border with Russia will have on Latvia. Additionally, the presidents of the Baltic states emphasized that such a decision should be joint.
