Latvia Weighs Dismantling Railway Tracks to Russia Amid Long-Term Border Security Concerns

Latvia will assess whether to remove railway tracks leading into Russia from its eastern border, with the government to prepare an initial evaluation by the end of the year in coordination with the National Armed Forces and Baltic partners, according to LSM on November 26.

The plan was confirmed after the regular weekly meeting between President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, with the president saying that greater clarity on whether to dismantle sections of the line is expected at the beginning of next year.

He said input from the armed forces would be considered and that coordination with Lithuania and Estonia would be important as the Baltic states discuss potential joint approaches.

Rinkēvičs described the security situation on Latvia’s eastern border as tense for the long term and said dismantling tracks was among the options under review to strengthen national defense and security.

“We cannot rule out any option for strengthening national defense and security,” he said, adding that any decision would need to define the timetable and scope of work and weigh socioeconomic consequences.

Read more

Category

World

When Europe’s Tourist Visas Become Russia’s Window for Hybrid War

Oct 14, 2025 13:35

The president stated that he planned to hear the armed forces’ opinion on the issue on Friday, but noted that no in-depth discussion or decisions are expected before next year, as the government first wants a comprehensive assessment.

He criticized the tone of the public debates on social media, saying “it is not good that there is a lack of details and clarity,” and warned that statements made in Riga without clear communication to residents in Latgale were creating concerns and misinformation.

Earlier, it was reported that Latvia decided to close several border checkpoints to pedestrians and cyclists on its frontiers with Russia and Belarus, limiting passage to vehicles as part of measures to counter what officials describe as Russia- and Belarus-driven attempts to weaponize migration and destabilize the border region.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW