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Latvia Boosts Security at Key Energy Sites Over Potential Russian Threat
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Latvia has strengthened security measures at critical energy infrastructure following intelligence indicating a potential threat from Russia, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs told Reuters on July 16.
The measures include increased protection at a hydroelectric dam upstream from the capital, Riga, and at the country's largest underground natural gas storage facility.
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The move follows recent warnings from the leaders of Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, who said Western intelligence agencies believe Russia could be planning provocations and attacks against critical infrastructure across the region.
The Kremlin has rejected the claims, describing them as “scare stories.”
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“Of course, Incukalns (gas storage), same as our energy sector and companies, (and) definitely the hydroelectric station,” the minister stated
Kulbergs said he had discussed the security situation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and requested additional air defense systems as well as a greater allied military presence in Latvia.
He also called for the rapid integration into NATO's defense architecture of an anti-drone system being developed in Latvia with assistance from Ukraine.
Kulbergs said Russia's leadership is seeking “a quick win” as it continues to face setbacks in its war against Ukraine, warning that “the potential hybrid threat is larger than before.”
“Anything is possible,” he added.
Earlier this month, it was reported that NATO had approved the transformation of its long-running Baltic Air Policing mission into an active air defense operation, expanding the authority of allied fighter aircraft to engage aerial threats posing an immediate danger.
The mission has protected the airspace of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia since 2004, when the three Baltic states joined NATO without maintaining their own fighter aircraft fleets.
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