Latvia's Fear and Suspicion Towards Russian Speakers Amid Ukraine Conflict

Nationalist Legislation Targets Russian Citizens, Stoking Tensions and Fear

Latvia, a Baltic nation, has been gripped by fear and suspicion towards its Russian-speaking population, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and historical occupation by Russia.
Latvian nationalist politicians have seized on the Ukraine war to push through legislation targeting Russian speakers, including a language test and security checks for Russian citizens living in Latvia.
Latvia has also banned Russian state television and dismantled monuments celebrating Soviet soldiers during World War II.
Despite these measures, officials insist that this will not lead to mass expulsions and that only 3,500 Russian citizens registered as residents have failed to submit the necessary paperwork.
The situation has been exploited by Russian state media, portraying Latvia as a hotbed of ethnic nationalism and stoking fear among Russian passport holders.