Russia has expanded its hybrid war beyond Ukraine and is now actively operating worldwide, including in the Baltic states, said Egils Zviedris, Director of Latvia’s Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB), as reported by Delfi.
According to him, in the early months of the war against Ukraine, Moscow concentrated all its efforts on this conflict. However, it has now redistributed resources and is actively using disinformation and propaganda against other countries, including Latvia.
Assessing possible Russian interference in the upcoming municipal elections in Latvia, Zviedris noted that direct influence is not expected. However, attempts to divide and polarize Latvian society are possible.
He also pointed to Moscow’s increased military activity, particularly its planned joint exercises with Belarus in the fall. The SAB chief noted that Russia had skipped previous exercises due to a lack of resources but is now trying to resume such activities and exert psychological pressure on NATO’s eastern flank.
Meanwhile, Sweden sees no significant progress in U.S.-led peace talks on Ukraine, as the sides remain too far apart in their demands. Zviedris stressed that one of the key issues remains ensuring Ukraine’s long-term security.
He also noted the worsening economic situation in Russia due to military expenditures but added that Russian authorities continue to suppress domestic discontent through propaganda.
