Latvia Strengthens Border Controls with Russia and Belarus Amid Security Concerns

Due to security concerns over an increasing influx of migrants, Latvia has decided to further tighten border controls with Russia and Belarus.

As of March 19, entry at three key border checkpoints—Paternieki on the Belarusian border, as well as Terehova and Grebneva on the Russian border—will be restricted to motor vehicles only. Pedestrians and cyclists will no longer be permitted to cross at these locations until further notice.

Latvia’s decision follows accusations that Russia and Belarus are deliberately facilitating a surge of refugees in an effort to destabilize the region. The government has justified the move by pointing to security risks and potential hybrid threats. “The decision to restrict the operations of the above-mentioned border checkpoints has been taken taking into account several important security and public order aspects. One of the main reasons is the risks of hybrid threats and migration crises,” stated the government of Latvia.

Partial Closure Necessary for National Security, Interior Ministry Says

The proposal to implement stricter border restrictions was put forward by Latvia’s Ministry of the Interior at the request of the State Border Guard and was subsequently approved by the government. Citing the current geopolitical situation, particularly Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Ministry has emphasized the urgent need to enhance security at Latvia’s borders.

According to a report by BNN, the Ministry highlighted that similar concerns have been raised in other countries, including Finland, which has also been dealing with security threats at its borders. “It is essential for Latvia to follow a common approach to the effective organization of border controls at Latvia’s borders with Belarus and Russia at the existing border crossing points, allowing Russia to use hybrid warfare tactics at its border with Finland and to repeat the scenario of triggering a migration crisis, which has already been used at Belarus’ border with EU Member States,” stated the Ministry of the Interior of Latvia.

The Ministry further warned that large gatherings of people near border checkpoints pose a significant security risk, potentially leading to mass unrest and attempts to breach border regulations, which could compromise Latvia’s national security. Stressing the need for precautionary measures, officials believe the partial closure of these border points is necessary to mitigate risks in advance.

Border Security Measures Already Underway

Latvia has been actively working to strengthen its border defenses in response to migration pressures and potential security threats. The country has already constructed a border fence along its frontier with Belarus to prevent irregular crossings and plans to complete a similar barrier along its border with Russia by the end of this year.

By reinforcing these security measures, Latvia aims to curb irregular migration and counter potential hybrid warfare tactics, ensuring greater stability and national security amid growing geopolitical tensions in the region. 

By fLEXI tEAM