Latvia's military threat level unchanged: PM

Latvia's military threat level has not changed and the risk of a "direct Russian military invasion" remains low, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said on Thursday, seeking to reassure the public after a proposed emergency measure for the country's eastern border region raised concern, reported Xinhua.

Kulbergs made the remarks after the country's Climate and Energy Ministry submitted a draft government order on Wednesday proposing a temporary state of emergency in the healthcare, energy supply and water management sectors in Latvia's eastern border region until Dec. 1 to ensure critical services could continue operating during an airspace threat.

"I want to make it clear to the people of Latvia that there is currently no reason for concern. Latvia's military threat level has not changed," Kulbergs said, citing assessments by the country's security authorities.

The proposal drew public attention because it referred to the "threat of an escalation in Russian military actions" in explaining the need for the measure.

Kulbergs said such wording, when separated from the actual security assessment, had caused questions and concern.

The ministry withdrew the draft on Thursday for revision and said it would change the document's title following public discussion and what it described as inaccurate interpretations of its purpose.

Kulbergs said Latvia must remain prepared for hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, attempted sabotage, provocations and incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles.

The prime minister also urged ministries, politicians and government officials to communicate security measures clearly, saying technical and organizational preparedness measures should not be presented as if Latvia were "on the brink of war."