Asked about the risks of provocations around March 16 in particular, which usually involve some extra work for police and security services, Kozlovskis said: "I wouldn't even want to be tied to a specific date, but I think that the probability of provocations is increasing day by day. We have a consistent position - our country acts and always supports Ukraine, and sets a high bar also at the European level. We have taken a number of steps, I think that is also obvious."
And although attempts at illegal crossings on the eastern border are now close to zero, Kozlovskis doesn't assume it will necessarily remain that way in the future.
"Yes, there are risks. And we are doing everything to prevent them, as well. But I will be frank – the risks exist, they are increasing... [we might expect] A possible reaction and elements of a hybrid war that Russia can use against Latvia, taking into account the fact that we are going to go ahead with such a policy, which is absolutely unacceptable for the Kremlin," said the politician. However, the minister added that he has no information about any specific provocations.
"I wouldn't want to start insinuating something early in the program today... In my opinion, there are enough worrying discussions about various defense issues... We will definitely inform the public if any risks are identified linked to specific events," said the Minister.