Russian embassy says Latvians tired of Riga's anti-Russian sentiments

Latvians are tired of Riga's anti-Russian steps, which, among other things, lead to an economic downturn in the republic. Dmitry Kasatkin, Russia's Charge d'Affaires in Latvia, told Izvestia on December 23.

"We are closely following the mood in Latvian society. Even the media, which cannot be classified as pro-Russian, note the country's fatigue with the anti-Russian campaign launched by the ruling forces in Riga. This is clearly felt even at the domestic level, in everyday communication with people," he said.

According to the diplomat, this is also confirmed by public opinion polls, particularly in connection with the upcoming June 2025 local elections, including the Riga City Council. Thus, he noted, Russophobia is still the dominant policy in Latvia and causes great damage not only to social-humanitarian and trade and economic ties with Russia, but also has a devastating effect on the economic situation of the republic itself and the well-being of its inhabitants.

"The Republic is leading the EU in terms of the rate of economic decline. GDP is shrinking by 1.4% a year. The volume of railroad transportation has fallen by more than 26%. Cargo transshipment in ports - by 10%. Population loss is simply described by experts as catastrophic. Of course, I don't want to say that all this is directly related to the rupture of economic ties with Russia, but this rupture has certainly affected a lot of things," summarized the interlocutor of the publication.

At the same time, he added that the Russian side still hopes to improve trade and economic relations. Riga, in turn, Kasatkin said, reiterated that EU countries should stop any investments and business activities in Russia, and called for urgent preparation of the next 16th package of anti-Russian sanctions.

"Despite the escalating tensions in bilateral affairs, [we] continue to preserve and maintain diplomatic channels of interaction and do our best to provide our compatriots in Latvia with comprehensive support in realizing their rights and safeguarding their interests," the diplomat concluded.

Trade bumps: Russia drops to 13th place among EU's top partners

Exports of Russian-made goods to the European Union decreased by 31% in ten months

Earlier, on December 14, former Latvian Foreign Minister Janis Jurkans, speaking to Izvestia, expressed hope that after the lifting of sanctions against Russia, a new economic life will begin in the republic. He expressed the opinion that the lifting of anti-Russian sanctions would allow Latvian businessmen to cooperate with Russians again.

Before that, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson published on December 6 that the country has learned a lot and become stronger since the imposition of Western sanctions. Under sanctions pressure, Russia relies more on itself and develops cooperation with friendly countries, he said.

Western countries increased sanctions pressure on Russia after the start of the special operation to protect civilians in Donbass, which was announced on February 24, 2022.