Latvia steps up security at key energy sites over perceived Russian threat

Latvia has tightened security at a major hydroelectric dam and its largest underground gas storage facility following intelligence indicating a potential threat from Russia, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has told Reuters.

The measures come amid growing warnings from Latvia, Lithuania and Poland that Western intelligence agencies believe Moscow could be planning provocations or attacks against critical infrastructure in the region. The Kremlin has dismissed the allegations as "scare stories".

Speaking to Reuters, Kulbergs confirmed that security had been reinforced at the Incukalns underground gas storage site, as well as across Latvia's energy sector and at a hydroelectric power station upstream of the capital, Riga.

"Of course, Incukalns (gas storage), same as our energy sector and companies, (and) definitely the hydroelectric station," he said.

Kulbergs said he had spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and requested additional air defence systems and a greater allied military presence in Latvia.

He also called for the rapid integration of an anti-drone system, currently being developed by Latvia with Ukrainian assistance, into NATO's wider defence network.

"As Russia is facing setbacks in its conflict with Ukraine," Kulbergs said, its leadership wants "a quick win, so the potential hybrid threat is larger than before", adding: "Anything is possible."

Latvia, a NATO and European Union member bordering Russia, has been one of Ukraine's strongest supporters since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion and remains among the Kremlin's most outspoken critics.

Kulbergs, who became prime minister in June after the previous governing coalition collapsed, said his government was also preparing for possible Russian interference ahead of Latvia's national elections in October. Russia has repeatedly denied accusations by Western governments that it seeks to influence foreign elections.

The Latvian leader also criticised Bulgaria for blocking the European Union's proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia, which would impose restrictions on around 250 individuals and entities while tightening measures targeting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).

He argued that opposing elements of the package amounted to complicity in the deaths of Ukrainians and said failure to curb Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers and LNG exports was helping finance the war.

"And also some (European) countries are making big money out of this. The question is, do you want to make money or do you want to make peace? You can't have both."

By Aghakazim Guliyev