Western intelligence agencies believe Russia is planning provocations and attacks on infrastructure across the region, the leaders of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland recently warned, Reuters reported.
Kulbergs was asked which sites Latvia had placed under increased security in response to the threat.
“Of course, at Inčukalns,” he said, referring to the gas storage facility. “We have also strengthened security in our energy sector, at industrial facilities and, of course, at the hydroelectric power plant.”
Kulbergs said he had spoken with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and asked the alliance to provide additional air defense systems and deploy more allied troops on the ground.
He also called for the rapid integration of a Latvian-developed counter-drone system, created with Ukrainian assistance, into NATO’s defense network.
Russia’s failures in its war against Ukraine have left its leadership seeking “a quick victory,” making the potential hybrid threat greater than before, Kulbergs said.
The United States had warned that Russia was planning an armed “provocation” on Polish territory, The Telegraph reported on July 3, citing sources. The operation could involve missile strikes, drone attacks or troops crossing the border.
Russia may also be preparing a false-flag operation involving Ukrainian drones, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said on July 15.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said the same day that authorities had intelligence on new plans by Moscow, including a possible attack on the country’s critical infrastructure.