The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to Russia's statement about its intention to appeal to the International Court of Justice due to the oppression of Russians in the Baltic states.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this is an example of the desperate reaction of the Russian authorities to the determination of Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius to remain true to their values. This is mentioned in the official comment of the Latvian foreign policy agency.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called such actions by the Russian side a "smokescreen." "This is yet another example of Russia's desperate reaction to our determination. The determination to remain true to our values: human rights, the rules-based international order, and a just peace in Ukraine. This 'smokescreen' is one of the oldest tricks in Russia's arsenal," the agency emphasized.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the Russian leadership "grossly disregards international law and violates it to promote its own aggressive foreign policy and colonial vision of how events should unfold."
The Ministry also asserts that Riga "has always been and remains a reliable international partner, a principled defender of human rights and the rules-based international legal order, and fully complies with its international obligations."
As reported by bb.lv, Estonia labeled Russia's intention to file lawsuits against the Baltic states in the International Court of Justice due to alleged oppression of ethnic Russians as part of a disinformation campaign.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs this week announced that it wants to prepare a complaint against the Baltic states in the International Court of Justice due to alleged violations of the rights of ethnic Russians.
The Russian side refers to an information and analytical report on the violation of the rights of Russian citizens and compatriots abroad in 2025.
Specifically, the Russian side mentions the Baltic states and, in particular, Latvia. Examples include criminal proceedings and administrative measures after May 9. The Russian publication also claims that people were detained in Latvia for listening to or performing wartime songs.
Latvian authorities have stated that such measures are not directed against Russian-speaking residents as a group, but against support for Russia's aggression. In the Russian interpretation, these decisions are presented as "anti-Russian policy."
