In a recent interview with Latvia Television, Rolands Irklis, the CEO of the electricity transmission system operator AS 'Augstsprieguma tīkls' (AST), stated that Latvia's energy supply security has seen significant improvements. He emphasized that Russia and Belarus can no longer directly influence Latvia's energy system by disconnecting from the power grid or disrupting energy services. This change is a notable shift in the region, indicating a move towards greater energy independence for Latvia.

Irklis acknowledged that while direct interference from Russia and Belarus has been mitigated, Latvia still faces other risks similar to those experienced throughout Europe. He highlighted the ongoing threats of hybrid risks, including cyberattacks and physical attempts to impact critical infrastructure. As a response, Latvia has been proactive in enhancing its energy security at the system level and has invested heavily in cybersecurity over the past decade, while also increasing focus on physical security measures.

The context of this development ties back to the Baltic states' decision last year to disconnect from the Russian-controlled BRELL energy supply system, illustrating a strategic shift towards energy independence and security in the face of geopolitical tensions. This move is seen as a necessary step in safeguarding Latvia's infrastructure against potential external threats, marking a significant milestone in the country's energy policy and regional cooperation in energy security.