Russia is preparing the ground for further escalation in Latvia - ISW
The reason was the state's nationalization of the Riga "House of Moscow"
Russia may provide information support for further escalation against Latvia. This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Analysts write that this may happen due to the closure of the Russian information influence base. As an example, they cite the draft law on the transfer of the "House of Moscow" in Riga, owned by the Russian government, to Latvian state ownership, which was adopted by the Latvian Parliament on January 11 to ensure Latvia's security. The Russian structure was used to support influence operations.
In response to the actions of the Latvian authorities, the Russian Embassy in Latvia warned of serious consequences, analysts at the Institute for War Studies write.
They also add that the Russian accusation is aimed at exacerbating tensions between Russian-speaking and ethnic Russians and Latvian-speaking citizens in the country.
It is known that recently Russian politicians have been actively claiming Russia's right to defend its compatriots abroad.
Meanwhile, Latvia plans to transfer funds from the House of Moscow to Ukraine. The relevant law was passed by the Saeima. This was announced by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs at a press conference in Riga on Thursday, January 11, after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"We are planning to use this and other Russian assets to help Ukraine," Rinkēvičs said.
Speaking about military assistance, he mentioned the possibility of producing drones.
"We can produce cheaper drones, which are very effective, which are so necessary for the Ukrainian military," Rinkēvičs said. "We may also buy 155-mm ammunition to give to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This is exactly what we talked about with the President," he said.
Rinkēvičs said that the Seimas also voted to provide more than 500 million euros over three years, and this program will be focused on Chernihiv region.
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