Latvia intends to place defensive structures on the border with Russia
The Latvian authorities have prepared a bill according to which it will be possible to place defensive structures on private plots of land near the border with Russia. This was announced on April 25 by the LSM portal with reference to the Ministry of Defense of the republic.
"We have implemented and approved this regulatory framework, but this does not prevent us from simultaneously carrying out the work that we are already carrying out — the purchase, temporary placement of barriers at these resource depots, the purchase of mines and sensors," Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds is quoted in the publication.
It clarifies that territories that will be alienated by the state for defense needs will be given the status of objects of national interests. The deployment of protective structures is planned both along the border itself and at a depth of up to 30 km from it.
According to the newspaper, anti-tank barriers will be installed in these areas: "dragon's teeth", concrete blocks and anti-tank "hedgehogs". All work on strengthening the border should be completed in 2028.
On April 24, the President of Latvia approved the law on withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production and Storage of Anti-personnel Mines. It is indicated that, according to Latvia, antipersonnel mines in combination with other weapons systems enhance the defense capability, which cannot be replaced by alternative options.
Earlier, on April 16, Andrei Starikov, an economist, political scientist, and editor-in-chief of Baltnews news agency, told Izvestia that Latvia's withdrawal from the convention on the prohibition of antipersonnel mines is a decision that speaks to the country's preparation for war. According to the political scientist, these countries have embarked on a war with Russia. However, withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention is a new step in this policy.
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