Latvia is bolstering security along its border with Belarus, reporting a significant increase in attempted illegal crossings and a shift in smuggling tactics. The Latvian State Border Guard has observed a surge in migration attempts, coupled with the emergence of new challenges, including the use of meteorological balloons to transport contraband.
Speaking on , Guntis Pujats, head of the State Border Guard, emphasized the need for continued vigilance. “Unfortunately, we cannot predict that One can expect a peaceful border guard in 2026. The winter period is quieter, but I think this is due to meteorological conditions. Natural factors, such as snow, which hinder the movement of trespassers, also give advantages to border guards. We will continue to guard the Latvia-Belarus border in an enhanced regime,” Pujats stated.
Officials have noted a relative lull in attempts to cross the “green border” – areas of the border not covered by official crossing points – in the past year. However, this has been offset by the rise in unconventional smuggling methods, most notably the use of meteorological balloons. In , these balloons were the most common method of contraband transport across the state border, featuring in 12 instances. Other methods included the illicit transport of cigarettes via rivers (six cases) and the use of a drone in one instance.
Pujats cautioned that Latvia may continue to face new hybrid threats instigated by neighboring countries – Russia and Belarus. Investigations into smuggling activities fall under the purview of the State Police.
Alongside increased surveillance, Latvia is progressing with the physical reinforcement of its border infrastructure. Remaining work includes the construction of patrol roads along the Russian border, along the Daugava River, and access roads around lakes. The completion of these projects is planned for this year.
Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis identified strengthening the eastern border as a key priority, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation. “This smart border will be equipped, and artificial intelligence will also be used to help analyze these situations. This overall counter-mobility project, of which we are a part of the NBS and strengthening our border guard capacity on the border, is also important. The eastern border, of course, will remain a priority. We also cannot relax, despite a possible reduction in winter pressure,” Kozlovskis said.
The Latvian border guard is also undergoing a visible transformation, adopting the uniform of the National Armed Forces (NBS). More than half of border guards have already transitioned to the new attire, with full implementation expected this year. The new uniforms are being rolled out prioritizing those working on the “green border,” new cadets, and personnel stationed at headquarters and airports. Border guards have reported the new uniforms are comfortable for service.
The increase in border activity comes amid wider concerns about the weaponization of migration by Belarus. According to reporting from the Associated Press, the surge in illegal border crossing attempts is fueled by what Latvian officials describe as a state-sponsored international people smuggling operation orchestrated by Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko. , the State Border Guard reported stopping 103 people attempting to illegally cross the Latvia-Belarus border in the previous 24 hours, allowing seven individuals entry on humanitarian grounds.
Most of those attempting to cross are from Africa and the Middle East, particularly Afghanistan and Syria. The number of attempted crossings has risen substantially since the end of August, with nearly 900 stopped in the last week of alone. The cumulative figure for the year is almost 7,800, up from 5,826 in full year .
The situation is also impacting neighboring Lithuania. Data released by the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service (VSAT) shows a 2.5-fold increase in the number of irregular migrants entering Latvia from Belarus and then attempting to reach Western Europe via Lithuania and Poland in the first half of , with 352 such cases recorded compared to 140 in the same period of . Of those detained by Lithuanian authorities, 157 were returned to Latvia, while 195 were apprehended by Polish officers. VSAT has launched 25 investigations into human trafficking and detained 31 migrant smugglers this year.
The majority of migrants attempting to transit through Latvia and Lithuania originate from Somalia and Afghanistan, with 150 and 53 individuals respectively. Somali citizens questioned by Lithuanian border guards report traveling from Somalia via the United Arab Emirates to Russia, then Belarus, and finally attempting to enter Latvia, with Germany as their ultimate destination. Migrants often travel in groups ranging from several to a dozen people, utilizing both smugglers and public transportation, sometimes with forged or falsified documents.
Lithuanian border guards have prevented 890 irregular migrants from entering from Belarus so far this year, down from 1,002 in . The VSAT reports that 5,914 migrants have attempted to enter Latvia this year before being turned back to Belarus.
Estonia is also providing support to Latvia, with the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) having sent a second unit to assist on the Latvian-Belarusian border following the surge in illegal crossings.
