Latvian military intelligence: "Russia remains the greatest threat to the country"

Latvia's military intelligence has named Russia as the greatest source of threat in the foreseeable future in its threat assessment report.

Source: Latvian Ministry of Defence press service, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Military Intelligence and Security Service published the report, analysing the main risk factors for regional security over the previous year and setting out forecasts.

Quote: "Russia has long been and will remain in the foreseeable future the greatest source of threat to Latvia's security. The main threat factors are Russia's imperial ambitions, aggressive foreign policy and the development of military capabilities pursued with the far-reaching goal of prevailing in a confrontation with NATO."

More details: The document analyses Russia's long-term plans for military build-up.

Latvian military intelligence believes that Russia still maintains the strategic goal of undermining unity among Western countries, resorting to conventional means and a broad "hybrid" toolkit.

A targeted increase in the activity of foreign intelligence services is noted, with their interest directed at Latvia's critical infrastructure and armed forces. Efforts aimed at sabotage and cyberattacks against the defence sector are described. In this context, the need to strengthen counterintelligence measures, enhance the protection of state secrets, and ensure a swift response to identified threats is stressed.

Systematic influence operations in the information space are also noted, aimed at sowing doubts among citizens about Latvia's defence capabilities and the effect of allied forces' presence.

Background:

• Last week, Latvia's Ministry of Defence warned of a coordinated Russian information operation against the Baltic states in connection with "stray" Ukrainian UAVs.
• Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a protest with Russia over the spreading of disinformation alleging that Latvia permits Ukraine to use its territory for attacks on Russian ports.

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