Latvia ramps up defences along Russian border with trenches and barriers
Latvia is gearing up for a possible confrontation with Russia. According to Latvian broadcaster LSM, troops have begun constructing anti-tank trenches as a preliminary defensive measure. As stated in recent announcements, these efforts aim to complete the initial 12-mile section within four months.
Latvia is developing a network of defensive structures along its borders with Russia and Belarus. Construction of the first barrier has started about half a mile from the Russian-Latvian boundary, close to the Terehova crossing point. Colonel Kaspars Lazdins highlighted that Latvia intends to leverage natural barriers like forests, swamps, and rivers and erect man-made fortifications.
Lazdins disclosed that the anti-tank trenches will be fortified with obstacles known as "dragon's teeth." He also mentioned that these defences would be augmented with minefields in the face of a possible Russian onslaught.
In January, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia signed an accord to construct a Baltic defensive line along their borders with Russia and Belarus. In March, the Latvian government sanctioned a strategy to halt any hostile forces at the border in case of an armed attack. According to the i.pl website, the cost of these border fortifications is projected at 303 million euros, with construction spread over the next five years.
The Latvian-Russian border extends over 176 miles.
Can NATO deter Russia in the Baltic region?
Estonian Defense Forces Commander Gen. Martin Herem, in the annual report on the forces' activities, stated that "Russia's invasion of Ukraine is part of a broader strategy." He elaborated that Russia aims to reclaim its sway over former USSR territories. According to the Estonian report, "It also strives to expand its anti-Western buffer to encompass nations that have successfully integrated with the West or are on track to do so."
Gen. Herem is optimistic about the Baltic states' defence capabilities with NATO's support. "We have significantly enhanced our naval defences recently. Alongside Poland and NATO's newest members, Sweden and Finland, we are poised to avert any potential Russian attempt to blockade the Baltic Sea," highlighted the Estonian official.
