Nine Liepāja Institutions Ask to Allow Russians Access to Strategic Objects - VDD Still Thinking

Unusual events are taking place in Liepāja — nine institutions and one company have approached VDD with a request to allow Russian and Belarusian citizens access to critical infrastructure. This is almost as unusual as seeing Karosta without Russian tourists.

VDD has not yet allowed such access to anyone, but some cases are still being evaluated. As one VDD employee who wished to remain anonymous said: "We evaluate each case individually, but of course, security comes first. It's not like we just say no because it's a fashion trend."

To receive permission, one must justify why the specific Russian or Belarusian citizen cannot be replaced by another specialist. Apparently, it's not enough to say that he's the only one who knows where the coffee machine key is or how to properly turn on the tram heating system in winter.

The service also emphasized that a shortage of specific specialists or increased costs is not sufficient justification for obtaining a permit. So the argument "he's the only one who works for such a small salary" won't work. Here it's unclear whether anyone in Liepāja works for a large salary at all, but that's another question.

Critical infrastructure owners can choose how to implement security requirements themselves — either by transferring the employee to another position, restricting access, or terminating employment. The main thing is that the goal is achieved, because, as we know, in Liepāja we always find a way to get things sorted.