Running ahead of the train? Zatlers commented on the issue of dismantling the rails at the eastern border 0 159

He emphasized that politicians should not rush to discuss a topic that has not yet been analyzed by military experts. "Only after there is a response from military experts should politicians decide whether to talk about it or not," said the former president.

In Zatlers' opinion, military experts should determine whether there is real benefit from the presence or absence of the rails today, rather than when a conflict begins. "Because of this, the discussion comes to the surface and looks very foolish," noted Zatlers, adding that people perceive it this way.

"You don’t need to be a great expert to understand that there is no particular sense in this — today. Perhaps someday, in the event of a conflict, it will arise, but the rails can be dismantled very quickly," said Zatlers.

He also pointed out that in Ukraine, no one said that provocations with the rails would bring great benefit — they were restored very quickly.

As reported, several ministries and security services have been tasked with preparing a conclusion by the end of the year on what impact the dismantling of the rails at the Russian border will have on Latvia.

Today, a meeting of the Military Council will take place in Liepaja, where President Edgars Rinkēvičs will hear the opinion of the National Armed Forces (NAF) on the possible dismantling of the railway tracks.

The president also confirmed that he intends to discuss this issue with the presidents of the Baltic states in early December in Riga.

Rinkēvičs noted that if the government completes the analysis by the end of the year and discusses it at the beginning of the next, then the issue will be considered by the National Security Council, which includes representatives from both the government and the Saeima.

The TV3 program "Nekā personīga" reported on Sunday that the possibility of cutting railway tracks towards Russia is being discussed in closed meetings in Latvia. According to Latvian and foreign military analysts, the existence of this line poses a direct threat to security. In an interview with "Nekā personīga," representatives of the NAF made it clear that the railway tracks and embankments at the Russian border should be eliminated — the sooner, the better.

A survey for the program showed that both military and economic analysts believe that the existing railway connections with Russia pose a security threat. Therefore, there should be no delay in dismantling these tracks.

Minister of Transport Aitis Švinka stated in an interview for the program that the situation needs to be assessed, as dismantling the railway towards Russia would completely halt the transit business in Latvia, including cargo from Asia.

For its part, the Ministry of Defense noted in the program that the NAF has counter-mobility plans that outline what to do in the event of a military threat. These plans are being developed in conjunction with the state-owned company "Latvian Railway." The ministry cannot answer whether the dismantling of the rails now would strengthen security — all information is classified.

Additionally, researcher in international relations and defense Collin Smith stated in an interview with the LETA agency that to strengthen Latvia's military security, it is necessary to dismantle at least those railway tracks of Russian gauge east of Daugavpils that are not in use, as without the railway, Russia's ability to invade Latvia would be significantly complicated.