The State Security Service of Latvia has received requests from several institutions to allow citizens of Russia and Belarus access to critical infrastructure under exceptional circumstances, although no such permissions have been granted thus far.
The State Security Service (VDD) of Latvia has disclosed that requests have been made by nine institutions, along with one company that provides services on critical infrastructure premises, for permission to grant access to essential information and technological devices to citizens of Russia and Belarus. The VDD has not disclosed the exact number of individuals involved but has indicated that, so far, no such access has been granted to any citizens from these countries, though some requests are still under evaluation.
In order for the VDD to consider granting these permissions, a justification must be presented by the owner or manager of the critical infrastructure, explaining why the specific Russian or Belarusian national is irreplaceable by other specialists and why they should retain access to crucial information and technological systems. This process includes a thorough assessment to ascertain the necessity of such access in terms of operational integrity and security.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension in the region concerning national security and the implications of allowing individuals from countries deemed as aggressors access to sensitive infrastructure. It reflects broader geopolitical dynamics at play in Latvia's national security policies, balancing cooperation in specific areas while maintaining vigilance against potential threats posed by foreign entities.
