Russia builds its strategy not on frontline success, Latvian armed forces commander says

According to Ukrinform, Delfi reports this in an article, citing the Commander of the National Armed Forces of Latvia, Kaspars Pudans.

Instead, the aggressor is primarily trying to influence political will and the public's desire to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and continue resisting, Pudans noted.

When this fails, Moscow, by shelling cities and civilians with missiles and unmanned systems, begins carrying out terrorist acts deep inside Ukrainian territory, he added.

According to the commander, on the battlefield Ukraine has been able to fiercely resist Russia and is drawing significant resources of the occupying forces onto itself, preventing the Russians from accumulating either manpower or material and technical capabilities.

"This allows us [in Latvia] to catch our breath, leaning on Ukraine's shoulders," the commander said, emphasizing that this time must be used properly by continuing to make the right decisions to strengthen defense capabilities, and that even in the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine, efforts must not stop.

He acknowledged that Moscow may later attempt to pursue revenge against its closest neighbors, including Latvia. However, this does not automatically mean a military attack, but could manifest itself in the information space, cyberspace, or the economic sphere.

The Latvian commander also stressed that Western support for Ukraine must continue in order to enable it to achieve results.

"No matter how innovative Ukrainians are in conducting combat operations, these are only tactical successes, but it is also necessary to achieve operational and strategic advantage," Pudans stated.

As Ukrinform previously reported, the National Armed Forces of Latvia already have detailed plans on how to restrict railway mobility in the event of certain threats, according to Commander Kaspars Pudans.

Photo: Gatis Diezins, Ministry of Defence