Russia threatens Latvia with "asymmetric steps" in response to demolition of Soviet monuments

It is noted that the Latvian ambassador was summoned because of the barbaric “state vandalism policy of dismantling Soviet memorials.” According to Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is considered as a glorification of Nazism on the part of the official Riga.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that the Latvian ambassador has repeatedly spoken publicly against the Russian Federation. In particular, Riekstiņš' phrase about demolishing monuments to Soviet liberators in Latvia is considered such an anti-Russian statement.

During the conversation, the ambassador was also told about the "illegal actions" of the Latvian authorities. According to the Russian Federation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they are aimed at creating obstacles in the work of the Moscow House cultural center in Riga and the Amber Coast sanatorium in Jurmala. The goal is the possible expropriation of this Russian property.

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that Latvia will bear full responsibility for these and other hostile actions.

“We reserve the right to take steps in response, including asymmetric ones, which will definitely be sensitive for Riga,” Russia's Foreign Ministry emphasized.

• On June 23, the law "On banning the display and dismantling of objects glorifying the Soviet and Nazi regimes on the territory of the Republic of Latvia" entered into force in Latvia. It determined the term for dismantling the monument in the Victory Park in Riga, and also declared the Latvian government to compile a list of other similar objects in the country, subject to dismantling. Already on July 14, Latvia announced that 69 monuments to the Soviet and Nazi regimes were to be demolished.

• On August 25, a 79-meter obelisk, which was the last element of the Soviet memorial to the "liberators", was dismantled in Riga.

• On October 25, the third object, recognized in Latvia as glorifying the Soviet occupation regime and which, according to the decision of the parliament, is to be dismantled by November 15, was demolished.

• On November 9, a monument to Soviet liberating soldiers was dismantled in the city of Rēzekne, in the eastern part of Latvia.