Under this headline, a recent issue of the popular magazine Mājas Viesis was released. It is illustrated with a photo of the heroine of the material, journalist Ilze Petersone — this is Ilze Auzere, the ex-wife of the famous politician Janis Jurkans.
“How can we not think today about our security when Russia is increasingly testing the readiness of EU and NATO countries to confront it? A Russian understands only the language of strength, so we must strike back and in the face, without unnecessary diplomacy,” says Ilze Auzere, a former banker and financier, who in recent years has participated in cooking shows and led master classes.
She recently returned from the USA, where she visited her brother Peteris Auzers and his wife, and was processing documents related to her name change after her divorce from Janis Jurkans. During the meetings, they also discussed politics — Russia's war in Ukraine and the activities of US President Donald Trump. When she returned to Latvia, life resumed its usual cycle with hosting guests in her apartment on Rainis Boulevard and preparing her own dishes, attending concerts or theater performances in the evenings, and meeting friends. Judging by her Facebook posts, Ilze constantly keeps track of political events and comments on them.
“When we discuss the location for the interview, there’s not much to think about, because I am kindly invited to an apartment that can be recognized from the street, as since the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukrainian territory, a Ukrainian flag has been displayed at the living room window. I have already changed it a few times because the wind takes its toll. The windows of the residence offer a view of the Bastion Hill, which Ilze jokingly calls her village. The noise from the street is muted by large trees, and between the paintings and the exquisite decor, a cozy atmosphere reigns..."
“After one of your interviews, I read comments that you would be one of the first to flee from the Baltics on a 'rescue flight' if something starts here. Have you thought about your safety when Russia tears apart Ukraine daily, sends drones into NATO countries, and threatens with nuclear weapons?” asks the Mājas Viesis correspondent.
“I have no intention of leaving Latvia. I am increasingly convinced that it won’t be necessary. In August, even before the drone events, it felt uncomfortable. Although I can’t stand Trump, when he probably reads that he is mocked as Putin’s aide, he feels disappointed and deceived, his statements change, and this time his wounded ego works to our benefit. Let it continue like this! Let the fires continue, after which I always post a comment on Facebook — Burn, Baby, Burn... Ukrainians are hitting Russian infrastructure, strategic facilities, not people.”
