General Guntis Pujāts, the Chief of the State Border Guard of Latvia, stated that the agency cannot let its guard down as it prepares for the possibility of increased illegal border crossings in the coming years. He highlighted that while the winter period tends to be quieter due to adverse weather conditions hindering border violators, this does not provide a reason for complacency. The focus will remain on diligently protecting the Latvia-Belarus border under heightened security measures.

Pujāts discussed the recent patterns in border violations, noting that while illegal crossings had decreased initially, the emergence of a new challenge involving meteorological balloons used for smuggling presented fresh concerns. His comments reflect a concerning trend where innovative methods are being employed to bypass border security. In 2025, these balloons were the most common means of smuggling, with several documented instances of illegal substances being transported across the border.

Looking ahead, Pujāts warned of the potential for hybrid threats posed by neighboring countries such as Russia and Belarus, indicating that the State Border Guard must prepare for continued adaptation and the implementation of new strategies to counteract evolving tactics by smugglers. This statement underscores the significance of maintaining a robust border security framework in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.