Latvia Plans to Dismantle Railway Tracks to Russia, Poland Receives €44 Billion to Secure Eastern Border

Latvia is considering the complete dismantling of railway tracks in the eastern part of the country that lead to Russia. This information was confirmed by President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Prime Minister Evika Siliņa. By the end of 2025, the government plans to conduct a detailed analysis of this initiative involving the National Armed Forces, as well as in coordination with Lithuania and Estonia. It is expected that the tense situation on the eastern border will remain relevant for a long time, so the dismantling of railway infrastructure is seen as one possible way to strengthen security. A final decision on this matter will not be made before next year.

This is reported by AgroReview

Poland Invests in Defense with EU Support

At the same time, Poland will receive nearly €44 billion from the European Union to implement a large-scale security program called the “Eastern Shield.” The funds are allocated as a low-interest loan under the SAFE program. It is anticipated that these investments will significantly enhance the country’s defense capabilities in the eastern direction.

“The Eastern Shield, like our eastern border, is a shared responsibility of the entire European Union. Europe has finally begun to view it as a place where we invest European money, not just Polish,” noted Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

As part of the project, the construction of anti-tank trenches, the installation of numerous concrete “hedgehogs,” the establishment of shelters for military and civilians, the construction of bunkers for protection against weapons of mass destruction, and storage facilities for weapons and resources are planned. The area of the “Eastern Shield” will cover a strip 50 to 100 kilometers deep into Poland. The construction work is expected to be completed by 2028.

Europe Strengthens Measures Against Hybrid Threats

European Union countries are also discussing new steps to counter hybrid attacks from Russia. Among the proposed measures are conducting joint cyber operations and expanding NATO military exercises. According to the analytical center Globsec, from January to July 2025, there were over 110 recorded cases of sabotage and attempted attacks related to Moscow, primarily in Poland and France.