MP Līdaka: Russia uses provocations to spread anxiety in Latvia

Latvian parliament member Ingmārs Līdaka, deputy chair of the Saeima's Public Administration and Local Government Committee, commented on recent developments involving Russia and possible military threats to the Baltic states during an appearance on TV24's program "Ziņu TOP."

Līdaka noted that despite various public assessments and headlines, the official level of military threat facing Latvia has not been revised. He also pointed out that reports about visits and meetings involving senior officials do not necessarily reveal the true content or outcomes of those discussions.

A deliberate tactic of provocation

According to the MP, Russia is deliberately employing a tactic of provocations aimed at generating anxiety and a sense of insecurity within society. He cited recent drone incidents and other Russian actions that regularly surface in the news as examples of this approach. Līdaka suggested that Russia's aggressive rhetoric might partly reflect Moscow's own unease about developments on the Ukrainian front and elsewhere.

Call to avoid panic

Līdaka stressed that the most important response is to avoid succumbing to panic, since anxiety can lead to rash and poorly considered decisions. At the same time, he acknowledged that Latvia must continue strengthening its security and stay prepared for various types of crises.

As an example, he referred to a recent storm, which he said highlighted the need for people to think through practical actions in advance of a crisis — where to go, where to stay, and how to maintain communication and keep phones charged. He encouraged the public to view crisis preparedness not as a source of fear, but as a necessary part of everyday security.