Latvian security chief says Russia is escalating pressure on the West

Russia is increasing pressure on Western countries to weaken their support for Ukraine because it cannot achieve its objectives in the war, Egils Zviedris, director of Latvia’s Constitution Protection Bureau, told LETA, LSM reported. He said civilian casualties could not be ruled out.

Zviedris said Russia had carried out several high-profile operations in Europe. He cited the desecration of monuments and the arson attack on the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, attacks on Russian opposition figures living in Lithuania, explosive-laden drones at Leipzig airport and acts of sabotage on European railways.

He said Russia had not yet carried out false-flag operations in Europe. Such an operation involves staging an attack or provocation and blaming another party, potentially to mislead the public or justify military action or repression. Zviedris said Russia could try to make it appear that Western countries had acted against it.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said there was no immediate threat of a direct attack, but Russian activity was increasing. He pointed to the confirmation in Estonia of Russian involvement in the arson of a drone factory, and warned that continued attacks could cause deaths.

Rinkēvičs urged the public to remain alert, saying security risks could not be addressed without public involvement. He said the warning did not signal sudden new risks, but reflected concerns officials had been discussing since the summer.