It is not known whether the permeability of the border crossing point will be restored before its operation is completely suspended on October 16 this year, therefore the State Border Guard is already recommending the use of the border crossing points of Grebņeva (Ubilinka) or Terehova (Burachi) for the crossing of the Latvian-Russian State border.
As reported earlier by LSM, on response to Russia's decision to significantly restrict the possibilities of entry of Ukrainian citizens, Latvia plans to suspend the operation of Pededze and Vientuļi border crossing points.
The IeM repeated that Russia's decision to allow Ukrainian citizens to enter the country only through the Latvian border point Vientuļi is not only an attempt to divide the European Union and create tensions in its border area but also to create conditions on the Latvian-Russian border that can have a significant impact on public order and pose a threat to national security.
“Thus, in order to prevent possible threats to public order, as well as national security, and to avoid possible adverse consequences of the situation created, it is necessary to suspend the operation of Latvian-Russian border crossing points,” it said.
Chairman of the Balvi Municipality, where the Vientuļi border point is located, Sergejs Maksimovs (Latgale Party) told Latvian Television that about 70 people have been waiting in line for their turn to cross the border on Saturday night. Russia allegedly let 4 cars and 10 people into the country throughout the day, Maksimovs said.
For people to have somewhere to shelter from the cold, tents have been installed at the border point and two buses have also been deployed.
Maksimovs previously told Latvijas Radio that tents have been provided for temporary accommodation of people, while premises are being prepared for long-term stays. On Thursday, October 12, the Civil Protection Commission was convened with security authorities and the State Border Guard to draw up an action plan in the municipality of Balvi.
Minister of the Interior Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity) has previously emphasized that the Russian decision inevitably poses risks to Latvia's national security and public order: “By projecting that up to 500 people could accumulate at the border in Latvia every day, we realize that this is a deliberate act to create problems for the Latvian state.”
The Head of the State Border Guard, General Guntis Pujāts, said in an interview with Latvian Radio that the closure of Vientuļi border crossing points will not affect truck traffic, because it is diverted through other points.
