Latvia Bolsters Border Security, Condemns Russian and Belarusian Actions

Riga, Latvia – President Edgars Rinkēvičs is spearheading efforts to significantly enhance Latvia’s border defenses along its frontiers with Russia and Belarus, citing escalating security concerns stemming from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Simultaneously, he has strongly condemned Russia’s circumvention of sanctions through Belarus and ongoing repression within Belarus itself.

Increased Border Defenses

President Rinkēvičs recently visited the border area near Zaborje, where he received briefings from Latvia’s military chief, Kaspars Pudāns, and border guard head, Guntis Pujāts, regarding plans for a reinforced border. These plans include the construction of fences, concrete barriers, and anti-tank obstacles. Latvia intends to invest €300 million between 2024 and 2028 to fortify the 400-kilometer border, as part of a broader joint Baltic defense line with Estonia and Lithuania, aligned with NATO defense plans .

The President emphasized the necessitate for preparedness for a range of potential scenarios in the coming years, noting that the border landscape has changed considerably in the last two years. Plans are similarly underway to widen the border strip from 12 to 42 meters .

Condemnation of Russian and Belarusian Actions

Rinkēvičs met with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at Riga Castle on Thursday, expressing Latvia’s solidarity with political prisoners and their families in Belarus . He condemned the repressive actions of Alexander Lukashenko’s regime against Belarusian civil society and the democratic opposition.

The President also highlighted concerns regarding “hybrid attacks” from Belarus, including the deliberate creation of illegal migration pressure and the use of contraband weather balloons . He stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Belarus until a fundamental change in policy occurs.

Rinkēvičs reaffirmed Latvia’s commitment to continuing sanctions against both Russia and Belarus and welcomed U.S. Efforts to secure the release of political prisoners .

Expanding Restrictive Measures

President Rinkēvičs has previously expressed support for expanding restrictive measures against Belarus, recognizing a deteriorating situation and increasing violence against protesters . He has underlined the need to increase pressure on Belarusian officials and to continue expanding the EU’s sanction list until improvements are seen in the political climate.

The farcical Belarusian presidential elections of January 26, 2025, were “won” by the long-standing dictator Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994 .