Latvia buys farmers' land near Belarus border for barrier construction

Latvian authorities have begun buying up land from farmers along the border with Belarus for the construction of border security facilities. Although farmers recognize the need to reinforce the frontier, the land purchases have created tension and conflicts.

Farmer Grigory Sergeyev, who lives near the Belarusian border, has cultivated all his arable land by himself. He noted that a road runs past his house, and beyond it lies his hayfield. This year the hay harvest was good, and they have already mown it as fodder for their cows. However, the state is now expropriating his land on the other side of the road for border structures. Sergeyev received compensation of 340 euros for the land. He says the amount is sufficient and his family will not be left in poverty.

According to local government officials, rumors initially spread among farmers that all their land would be taken for free. But everyone has now seen that this is not the case and that compensation is paid for the expropriated land. Moreover, drones that have entered Latvian territory have vividly demonstrated to local residents what could happen if the border is not properly guarded.

Another border-area farmer, Andrei Petkevich, expressed particular concern about grain dryers and elevators: "We are especially worried because drones could mistake them for fuel or oil tanks. If these drones are also equipped with artificial intelligence, they could confuse these structures and even attack them."

Farmers say they are not thinking of moving away and do not feel particular fear of war.