VDD: Russian 'nationalist' environment still shows hopes for Russia's success in Ukraine
The Latvian State Security Service (VDD) reports that the Russian nationalist community in Latvia remains fragmented and struggling to organize significant activities in support of Russia amid ongoing expectations of Russian success in Ukraine.
According to the latest annual report from the Latvian State Security Service (VDD), the Russian 'nationalist' environment in the country remains unchanged from the previous year, characterized as fragmented, disoriented, and unable to conduct any major actions supporting Russia. The VDD points out that these nationalist circles continue to be influenced by organizations established prior to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, such as the 'Latvian Russian Community' and various regional satellite organizations, as well as individual activists seeking to express their support for Russia.
Despite existing fragmentation, members of this community appear to still harbor hopes for Russia's success in Ukraine. The report indicates that such expectations may lead to a resurgence in nationalist activities. However, the increasing awareness among these activists of the repercussions associated with supporting an aggressor state reflects a careful approach to public engagement, resulting in fewer public events that could violate the law, which the VDD has sought to prevent in recent years through its monitoring efforts.
Most of the identified 'nationalist' activities have shifted online, where information is disseminated through various digital platforms, indicating a strategic adaptation to the changing political landscape. The report underscores that while expectations of Russian military successes persist, the actual mobilization and expression of these sentiments in public are limited, highlighting a significant disconnect between hope for Russian achievements and the reality of their capability to influence Latvia's political discourse.