No occupiers' trains will run through Latvia, Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) stated to journalists on Tuesday, commenting on discussions about the possible dismantling of railway tracks on the eastern border, LETA reports.
Spruds reminded that strengthening the border involves various measures and actions — from installing barriers and purchasing mines and artillery systems to preparing infrastructure for potential destruction. Accordingly, not only railways but also land routes are being assessed. Activities within the framework of the anti-mobilization plan and the establishment of the Baltic defense line are being carried out in cooperation with the State Border Guard.
"As for the rails, I can say with complete confidence: no occupiers' train will run through the territory of Latvia," the minister stated.
He reminded that the National Armed Forces (NAF) have been tasked with assessing various alternatives to limit mobility. The question of the possible dismantling of railway tracks is also being discussed in the government, as other factors need to be considered.
"From a security and defense perspective, we are thoroughly evaluating all these issues. The assessment will be completed by the end of the year, and at the beginning of next year, we will present specific conclusions," noted Spruds.
According to him, coordination with allies is necessary in this matter — both those stationed in Latvia and with other Baltic countries.
"As seen with other issues, for example, in connection with the Ottawa Convention, we coordinate these matters. Also, after the meeting of the presidents of the Baltic countries, it was stated that the common position of the countries in the region is of great importance," the minister added.
Commander of the NAF Kaspars Pūce noted in a conversation with journalists that in creating the operational plan for national defense over the years, the goal of the NAF has been to understand the enemy's intentions, and this analysis is constantly updated.
Additional resources have been allocated for the formation of the Baltic defense line, which facilitate the implementation of more targeted measures to deter a potential adversary and disrupt their plans. Therefore, various solutions to limit the freedom of action and movement of a possible aggressor are being considered. The railway is just one of such corridors that the NAF is paying attention to.
"We are considering different solutions. At the same time, coordination with neighboring countries regarding their choices and decisions is necessary," Pūce emphasized, echoing the minister's statements.
Spruds also added that work is currently ongoing to create a "drone wall" on the eastern border. This is being implemented at two levels — national and European Union (EU) level.
At the national level, various types of drones have already been purchased and will continue to be procured, and acoustic detection systems have been implemented along the entire eastern border of the country. Recently, the Air Force received air surveillance radars "Giraffe 1X."
Latvian industry is also developing electronic warfare means, guided missiles, and mobile platforms. After testing, the procurement of intercepting drones from Latvian companies has begun, and the first such devices will be delivered by the end of the year. There are also plans to acquire drones tested in Ukraine to compare and evaluate which of them are the most effective in a trial mode.
Regarding the EU level, funding is an important component. Currently, Latvia, together with the Netherlands and Croatia, has committed to developing drone capabilities, including intercepting drones. Latvia emphasizes that its external border is also the external border of the EU and NATO, so a common position and appropriate funding are necessary. The issue of providing funding is actively being promoted, and overall, from the EU's perspective, it has been established that the "drone wall" is and will remain one of the priorities.
Creating such a drone wall is a challenging task and a complex process overall, the minister emphasized.
As previously reported, several Latvian ministries and security services have been tasked with preparing a conclusion on the possible consequences of dismantling railway tracks at the border with Russia by the end of the year.
If Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia decide to dismantle railway connections with Russia and Belarus, it must be a joint decision, the leaders of the region stated on December 4 after the meeting of the presidents of the Baltic countries.
