Especially against the backdrop of the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently making people sit up with remarkably threatening statements. His destination this time: Latvia. According to the Kremlin boss, the Baltic state treats its Russian minority “shamefully” – and at the same time issued a threat.
“I don’t think those who pursue such a policy are lucky,” Putin said in Moscow on Monday, according to the TASS agency, at a meeting of the Russian Human Rights Council. Anyone who treats parts of their population in this way should not be surprised if it turns against themselves.
Memories of the conflict in Ukraine
The statements seem quite threatening, especially against the background of the war in Ukraine. In Ukraine, too, Putin presented himself as an apparently caring advocate for Russian-speaking people. This was followed by the annexation of Crimea, the occupation of areas in eastern Ukraine and finally the attack on all of Ukraine in February 2022.
One in four people in Latvia is from Russia
The Kremlin-controlled council discussed changes to immigration law in Latvia. Of the approximately 1.8 million people in the small EU and NATO country, about one in four is of Russian descent. However, many Russians are not Latvian citizens, but have non-citizen status.
Impressed by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Latvia has introduced language tests for everyday Latvian language skills for these non-citizens. There is a risk that your residence permit will be revoked.
Putin speaks of “legal aberration”
Putin expressed his understanding that every country requires its citizens to have a basic knowledge of culture and language. But the status of non-citizens is a legal anomaly, he said. Moscow will shape its relationship accordingly with states that discriminate against Russians. It could also help Russians abroad return to their historic homeland. “If they do not want to leave but are deported, then we cannot change that, but we must create appropriate conditions for these people,” Putin told TASS.
The Kremlin has also justified the war against Ukraine with, among other things, the alleged oppression of the Russian-speaking population in the neighboring country.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
