Latvian President On Closing The Border With Belarus: We're Leaving The Matter Open
- 18.08.2026, 9:54
Latvia may close the “Paternieki” border crossing on the Belarusian border at any time.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited Piedruja—a village on the Latvian-Belarusian border—on August 17. During the visit, he spoke about the shortage of border guards, technical equipment at the border, migration pressure, and the possible closure of border crossings with Belarus, according to "Belsat".
Latvia may close the “Paternieki” border crossing on the Belarusian border at any moment.
“We are keeping absolutely all options open, depending on how the situation develops. If necessary, any decision will be made at the level of the National Security Council or the government. In such a case, complaints should be directed to Minsk and to those carrying out this hybrid operation against Latvia. Therefore, we are keeping this issue open,” said the President of Latvia.
Rinkēvičs noted that by the end of 2026, the Latvian-Belarusian border will be fully equipped with technology ensuring more effective border control:
“Three years ago, there were practically no fences, sensors, or video surveillance. Currently, 55% of the border is already equipped with sensors and video surveillance. By the end of the year, the rest of the Latvian-Belarusian border will also be equipped, and the main technological challenge will be resolved.”
However, there remains a staffing issue—to ensure a rapid response, up to 500 officers are needed, and there is a shortage of personnel.
“Fences, sensors, and video surveillance are one element, but if there’s no one to respond... “Seeing real evidence and video footage of our border infrastructure being damaged—if there’s truly no one to respond, then there will be no real return on these investments,” said Rinkēvičs.
Over the course of three days, August 14–16, the Latvian State Border Guard Service detained 182 people who were attempting to cross the border illegally.
According to Rinkēvičs, the recent increase in tensions on the Latvian-Belarusian border is the result of the “Lukashenko regime’s desire to influence Latvian society on the eve of the Saeima elections.” Along with it, the Russian Federation also wants to demonstrate that the Latvian authorities, border guards, and Armed Forces are unable to cope with migration pressure and thereby sow distrust among the public.
The “Paternieki” border crossing on the border with Belarus (which was closed for several days https://ru.belsat.eu/94906732/prezident-latvii-o-zakrytii-granicy) in late July and early August, as noted by LSM, due to technical issues.
“From July 31 through August 4, technical malfunctions were recorded at the ‘Paternieki’ border crossing, affecting the operation of certain information systems. Operations at the crossing have now been fully resumed,” the Latvian Ministry of the Interior stated at the time.
Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims
You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com
