Latvia claims Belarus was aware of border migrant tunnels

Latvian Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujāts stated that underground tunnels used for migration at the border between Latvia and Belarus were undoubtedly constructed with the knowledge of Belarusian authorities. Speaking on Latvian Radio, Pujāts noted that two such tunnels have been discovered in Latvia, while Lithuania has identified 12.

One recently discovered tunnel measured at least 30 meters in length, with a height and width of 0.8 meters. The construction involved significant excavation and the installation of strong supports and plywood ceilings. Pujāts expressed confidence that Belarusian observers used technical equipment to monitor the activity and ensured the work remained undetected by Latvian patrols until it was nearly complete.

While no successful border crossings via these tunnels have been recorded yet—as all violators were apprehended immediately upon use—Pujāts warned that more tunnels are likely being prepared. He also expressed a desire to integrate young conscripts from the National Defence Service into border protection to create a more unified system, though he noted a lack of significant support for this from the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces.