Latvian Foreign Ministry: Russia escalating hybrid threats - EXCLUSIVE
In an exclusive interview with CE Report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia warned that the Russian Federation is stepping up its hybrid warfare tactics, urging continued vigilance and unity among EU and NATO allies.
According to the Ministry, Russia's strategy goes far beyond spreading disinformation or manipulating narratives. It includes cyberattacks, electronic interference, sabotage attempts, and targeting of critical infrastructure. Officials also pointed to the ongoing use of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) as part of Russia’s attempts to undermine Western democracies.
“Russia continues to use FIMI as part of its coordinated hybrid activities to undermine electoral processes,” a Ministry spokesperson said.
In addition, the Ministry highlighted how Belarus and Russia are instrumentalizing irregular migration as a weapon against the EU, particularly along its eastern borders.
“The instrumentalization of illegal migration at the EU’s external borders is another aggressive tool used by Russia and Belarus,” the Ministry emphasized.
Addressing recent concerns over possible airspace violations or drone incursions targeting the Baltic region, Latvian officials stated that, while no current intelligence suggests such operations are imminent, governments remain on high alert.
“We have no indicators of planned airspace violations, nevertheless, we are monitoring developments and are ready to respond if such indicators appear,” the Ministry assured.
The Latvian Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of regional cooperation, especially among the Baltic states, NATO, and the EU. It cited the Baltic Sentry initiative — created in response to damage to underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea — as an example of effective joint action.
“Through joint efforts, timely coordination and shared situational awareness, we are strengthening our collective resilience against malicious activities aimed at undermining our democracies and societies,” the Ministry concluded.
Photo: Wikipedia
This interview was prepared by Abdul Karimkhanov
