Key facts
- Latvia has heightened security measures at a hydroelectric dam and its Incukalns underground gas storage facility.
- Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs cited intelligence indicating a threat from Russia.
- Kulbergs has requested additional air defense systems and troops from NATO.
- Latvia is collaborating with Ukraine on an anti-drone system.
- The Prime Minister criticized EU member states for blocking new sanctions against Russia.
Latvia has significantly enhanced security around critical energy infrastructure, including a hydroelectric dam near Riga and the Incukalns underground gas storage facility, citing intelligence that suggests a threat from Russia. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs revealed these measures in an interview with Reuters, emphasizing that the potential for hybrid threats from Russia has increased as the country faces setbacks in its conflict with Ukraine.
Kulbergs stated that he has communicated with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, requesting more air defense capabilities and an increased allied military presence in the region. He also called for the swift integration of an anti-drone system, which Latvia is developing with assistance from Ukraine, into NATO's defense networks.