In a report detailing the activities of the State Border Guard, General Guntis Pujāts emphasized the need for sustained vigilance in border security. Despite a decrease in illegal crossings during the winter months, attributed to adverse weather conditions, Pujāts warned that this trend may not persist. The current situation requires continued enhanced measures to protect the Latvia-Belarus border amid rising tension from neighboring countries like Russia and Belarus.

Pujāts noted that while there was a relative lull in illegal border crossings, particularly along the green border, new challenges are emerging. Notably, the use of meteorological balloons has increased as a method for smuggling, with reports indicating 12 instances in 2025 where goods were transported across the border using this technique. This adaptation highlights how smugglers are finding innovative solutions to circumvent border checks.

The General also mentioned the potential for further hybrid threats from neighboring countries, underlining the necessity of being prepared for new tactics that could arise. The government must therefore remain committed to bolstering border security measures to respond proactively to these evolving threats and ensure the safety of Latvia’s borders.