The commander of the National Armed Forces of Latvia, Major General Kaspars Pudans, stated that Latvia is viewed by Russia as an object of pressure and is on its 'list for punishment.' However, a possible attack on NATO is not inevitable and depends on many factors, including measures that the Alliance countries themselves can take in advance.
According to Pudans, the discussion of dismantling or undermining railway infrastructure is not an official position of the military, but is considered one of the potential tools of deterrence. Such measures could force the opponent to reconsider plans; however, their effect will likely be short-term. The key question is whether there will be enough time to implement such decisions in the event of a real threat.
The commander noted that the approaches of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania differ due to geography and international obligations. In particular, Lithuania is bound by agreements on transit to the Kaliningrad exclave, while in Estonia, bridges on border railway lines play an important role.
Speaking about the military vulnerability of the country, Kaspars Pudans acknowledged the lack of operational depth in defense but emphasized that modern conflicts require a different approach. The main task is to stop the opponent at the border, not deep within the territory. In this context, the creation of the Baltic defense line, which should strengthen natural barriers with artificial engineering structures, plays an important role.
Among Latvia's strengths, the commander mentioned geography, terrain features, and the potential for public cohesion. At the same time, he pointed out that a defensive position initially puts the country at a disadvantage compared to an opponent who chooses the moment and direction of attack.
Also, according to the military expert, the goal that Russia would like to achieve is important:
"That we are on their 'list for punishment' is obvious. It has been like this before, and now even more so, to show us or someone else that we are in the sphere of influence of Russia, which it can easily control."
Pudans separately emphasized the importance of allies. After Sweden and Finland joined NATO, the strategic depth of the region increased, allowing for planning rear support and logistics beyond the reach of Russian strikes. In the long term, he said, Latvia and its partners need to develop capabilities to counter long-range strike systems and be prepared to impact the opponent's infrastructure from where the threat originates.
Meanwhile, former Latvian journalist and ex-member of the European Parliament Andrei Mamykins, on the Kremlin-controlled channel “Russia-1” in Vladimir Solovyov's program, made open calls for the killing of former compatriots, residents of the Baltic states. Commenting on possible strikes on the region, he stated that this could be "calmly watched with popcorn," adding that the residents of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia "are not to be pitied."
"The rift in the political elites in the European Union continues. I like all of this. Let them die. We need to stock up on popcorn and quietly watch. We cannot forgive. If we are already training with 'Hazelnut', without a warhead, just with a kinetic strike, let’s hit the Baltics. They are not to be pitied," said Andrei Mamykins.
