Rail tracks on Latvia's eastern border not to be dismantled for now, but plan being prepared to quickly cut them if necessary

RIGA - Work is currently underway on a detailed plan to cut roads and rail tracks at Latvia's eastern borders if necessary, Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) said in an interview with Latvian Television on Wednesday.

"If the military threat increases, we do not rule out dismantling roads and railways," the minister said.

Spruds explained that both the Military Council and the Ministry of Transport have submitted summarized findings on the issue. "The basic principles are clear. This advice must be taken into account. No occupying military train will travel on Latvian territory," the minister commented on the question of whether the strengthening of the eastern border includes the dismantling of the rail tracks at the border with Russia and Belarus.

Asked about the report in the German newspaper Welt that NATO plans to significantly increase the stock of weapons and ammunition on its eastern flank and to create a new defense zone, and whether this would mean anything new for Latvia, Spruds explained that progress is being made with the allies on several major issues to strengthen the eastern border. The minister promised that as soon as further clarification is needed for the public, the information will be provided.

As reported, the Saeima previously rejected the opposition National Alliance's proposal to dismantle railway infrastructure at the Latvian-Russian border.

At the same time, several Latvian ministries and security authorities have been instructed to prepare an opinion by the end of the year on the impact that the demolition of the tracks on the Russian border would have on Latvia. In addition, the Baltic presidents have stressed that such a decision must be a joint one.

As Spruds said earlier, if the opinion of military experts and security authorities indicates that the dismantling of the railway tracks near the eastern border is the most effective solution to safeguard Latvia's security, this advice will be taken into account when coordinating between the Baltic countries.

Kaspars Pudans, Commander of the National Armed Forces (NAF), said in early December that the Latvian military already has plans for blocking railway infrastructure in the event of a military threat.