State of emergency declared in some municipalities bordering with Russia, one of border crossing points to be closed

RIGA - In relation with mobilization started in Russia, the Latvian government on Tuesday decided to declare the state of emergency in several municipalities bordering with Russia and close one of the border crossing points.

Considering Russia's decision on mobilization that means that warfare in the territory of Ukraine will be increased, and it is necessary to prevent threat to Latvia's national security, the government decided to declare the state of emergency from September 28 until December 27 on border crossing points and in several municipalities near the border.

The state of emergency has been declared in the municipalities of Aluksne, Balvi and Ludza.

Considering the pressure of illegal migration from Belarus, from August 11, 2021, the state of emergency has already been declared in municipalities of Ludza, Kraslava, Augsdaugava municipalities and Daugavpils city. The state of emergency has been extended to November 10.

Ludza municipality borders both with Russia and Belarus.

Also, the government decided on Tuesday to close Pededze border crossing point and ordered the State Border Guard to enforce guarding of the borders.

The National Armed Forces, the State Police and the State Security Service have been ordered to assist the Border Guard in border control.

Interior Minister Kristaps Eklons (For/Development) said that the situation on the border with Russia and Belarus remains stable and calm, everything is under control, however, the events in Russia makes Latvia act decisively and proactively.

Thanks to the state of emergency, the Border Guard will have the necessary resources and the ability to react rapidly to development of the situation, attracting assistance from the National Armed Forces and the State police. The number of patrols on the border will be increased.

The state of emergency will also refer to railway stations, airports and ports to enforce control over Russian citizens who are crossing the border in this way.

After Russia started partial mobilization, a large number of Russian citizens want to leave the country. Thus, it is possible that the situation on the border crossing points may change. There is also a possibility of illegal border crossing attempts.

Since September 19, a total of 57 Russian citizens have been denied entry into Latvia and 2,474 Russian citizens have arrived in Latvia legally, LETA was told at the Ministry of the Interior.

Meanwhile, 2,332 citizens of Russia have departed from Latvia.

As reported, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a mobilization of reserve forces, which has triggered protests and prompted hundreds of thousands of Russian men to flee their country.