On April 21, Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires to express its discontent over remarks made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov had alleged that Latvia permitted its airspace to be used for drone attacks targeting locations within Russia.
Latvian officials categorically rejected these claims, labeling them as “outright lies” and asserting that no Baltic state has authorized the use of its territory or airspace for such operations. This statement was part of a broader response to Lavrov’s comments made on April 18.
The Baltic nations officially communicated their stance to Russian diplomatic representatives in Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius in late March. Furthermore, on April 10, the foreign ministers of the Baltic states issued a joint statement condemning what they described as a Russian disinformation campaign. Despite these clear positions, Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Russia continues to disseminate false information.
During the meeting on April 21, Latvian officials also voiced their objections regarding actions taken by the city council of Tomsk, Russia, which on April 19 dismantled memorials dedicated to victims of political repression. The Latvian Ministry stated that this act reflects Russia’s current stance, which they argue seeks to justify the crimes of the Soviet totalitarian regime, including the illegal occupation of neighboring countries and widespread human rights violations.
On the night of April 19, authorities in Tomsk removed the memorial “Stone of Sorrow” from the Memorial Park, along with commemorative markers for repressed individuals from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and Kalmykia. Latvia has demanded explanations from Russia regarding these actions.
Latvia has formally protested against Russian accusations linking it to drone attacks on Russian territory, labeling the claims as false. The country also condemned the dismantling of memorials for victims of political repression in Tomsk, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
Source: LETA