Doctor calls on Latvia to cut the 'last umbilical cord with Russia', even at the cost of losses 0 99

In the TV24 program "Kārtības rullis", Doctor of Historical Sciences Gatis Krūmiņš raised the issue that, in his opinion, is still discussed too cautiously in Latvia — the complete cessation of contacts with Russia, even if it means short-term economic losses. He emphasized that Latvia is approaching an important moment of choice that can no longer be postponed. Krūmiņš explained on air that society and politicians should be ready to clearly show whose side Latvia is really on and where it wants to be in the long term. According to him, illusions about "normal coexistence" with Russia after the war in Ukraine are dangerous and misleading.

"We are inevitably approaching a fork in the road — do we cut the last umbilical cord with Russia," said Krūmiņš.

He noted that even a possible ceasefire in Ukraine should not be a reason to return to the previous order as if nothing happened. "If there is some ceasefire in Ukraine, it does not mean that we will now open the border, everyone will enter and participate in the Olympic Games — no," emphasized Krūmiņš.

He reminded that Latvia is already effectively on one side of the new Iron Curtain, but continues to maintain economic ties with Russia, which, in his opinion, contradicts the strategic interests of the country.

"We need someone to boldly say: not just 'the Russians are coming', but — let's put that aside. We close the borders, ban all of this, cut it off and switch to something else," stated Krūmiņš.

At the same time, he acknowledged that such a path will not be easy and will require society to accept economic losses. However, in his opinion, they are proportionate when looking at the security and independence of the state in the long term.