An initial attack by a potential adversary will not primarily be directed along the railway - NBS commander

RIGA - The initial attack by a potential adversary will not primarily be directed along the railway, but will be used to supply enemy forces in subsequent phases if the initial attack proves successful, Kaspars Pudans, commander of the National Armed Forces (NBS), said in an interview LETA.

When asked about the NBS' position on whether the tracks on the eastern border should be dismantled, Pudans replied that since national defense plans exist, they stipulate that in the event of a threat, when a decision is made in regards to barriers, one of the tasks is to dismantle or damage the mobility infrastructure and erect barriers so as not to give the enemy an advantage. This also includes the railway infrastructure.

"We understand very well that although the enemy's initial attack will not primarily be directed along the railways, they will be used to supply the enemy's forces in subsequent phases if the initial attack is successful. When the Baltic defense line was launched, we were already given the green light to start planning various activities and placing obstacles in certain places, where this has already been done," the commander emphasized.

Pudans stated that the NBS has plans for action in the event of a military threat, which the army can carry out on the rail when the enemy has already attacked or is close to launching an attack. At the same time, the NBS called on all parties involved to look at how the state could take the next steps without affecting other areas, such as the economy and local residents.

This assessment will be carried out jointly in order to draw up a more detailed plan of when, who and what decisions could be taken and implemented. Pudans urges us to understand that in the event of an escalation, the railway will not even be the NBS' top priority; moreover, in the event of an escalation, the armed forces and society as a whole will have to make many other decisions.

When asked to clarify whether there would be enough time to dismantle the tracks in the event of a threat, Pudans replied that this is also the biggest question, but that it could be understood by playing out scenarios in exercises and testing the capabilities of the NBS.

"We can calculate how long it would take to carry out such measures. Then we can also understand when is the right moment to make such decisions," added Pudans.

Although the issue of railways has been discussed at the Baltic state level, Pudans pointed out some differences in the details. In Estonia, both railway lines at the border cross the river. This means that the bridge is one of those obstacles that, if quickly blown up, can have a really big effect. In Lithuania, on the other hand, the situation is completely different, as it has intergovernmental agreements to ensure transit to the Kaliningrad enclave. This prevents Lithuania from making any such decisions.

Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) admitted in an interview with Latvian Television earlier this week that a detailed plan is currently being worked on to immediately secure road and rail crossings on the eastern border if necessary.

Spruds announced that both the Military Council and the Ministry of Transport have submitted a summary on this issue.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) revealed to members of the press this week that the issue of railway tracks towards Russia has also been informally discussed by the government. At present, it is necessary to find a way to avoid burdening the NBS with the issue of railway tracks in the event of an increased threat.