Putin threatens Latvia with consequences over Russian minority policies

“Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Latvia of potential ‘domestic retaliation’ over policies regarding the Russian minority. This has escalated tensions amid existing NATO-Russia strains, with Putin referencing the Kremlin’s use of ‘abuse against Russian-speaking minorities’ as a pretext for aggression, often seen in the context of the invasion of Ukraine.

As of 2023, Latvia’s population of 1.8 million includes a Russian minority constituting 23.7%. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Latvia tightened residency rules for Russian citizens in 2022, requiring permanent residents to pass a Latvian language test. Moreover, Latvia aims to phase out Russian and other minority languages from school instruction by 2025, aiming to break free from Sovietization and Russification during much of the 20th century.

Putin’s remarks have the potential to impact Latvia’s relationship with the Russian minority. Russia is reportedly developing a ‘systemic response’ to address such policies and adjust relations with countries implementing similar measures. The issue of the Russian minority in Latvia is also recognized as ‘Russophobia’ in other Baltic regions.

Latvia is currently reevaluating its policies toward the Russian minority, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomatic efforts on language and citizenship matters. The international community is closely watching, hoping for diplomatic efforts and dialogue to prevail over divisive politics between Latvia and Russia.”