Fearing the worst: A Latvian view on Russia and the conflict in Ukraine

The Baltic countries, including the Republic of Latvia, have traditionally been considered phobic in their attitudes towards Russia. Historical experiences, together with the increasing unpredictability of the Russian Federation’s foreign and security policies, have strengthened this political position and belief that has existed in Latvian society since the country regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. For this small European Union, Eurozone and NATO member state, initially the war in Georgia and then the ongoing crisis in Ukraine fuelled additional fears with regard to Russia and its respect for Latvian sovereignty. Against this complex background, the Latvian government and most political parties assumed a stance of support towards the Ukrainian side in their complicated situation. Latvia voiced its support for Ukraine, while also learning from Ukrainian experiences and seeking reassurances from Western partners on the Baltic States’ military safety. And although the majority of the society takes a strictly anti-Kremlin stance, public attitude could not be described as being uniform.