On February 24, during an expulsion that has raised eyebrows, Andrejs Lankovs, a Russian Korean expert, was sent from Latvia to Estonia after being declared an undesirable person in Latvia. Lankovs expressed confusion over the lack of explanation regarding his expulsion, suggesting that his only fault was perhaps not being able to translate real-life situations into politically advantageous caricatures. The case seems to hint at deeper political undercurrents beyond his own analysis of the situation.

Lankovs, who has lived outside Russia for over 30 years, has a distinguished reputation as a researcher, which makes the Latvian authorities' decision particularly puzzling to many observers. His expulsion could reflect broader geopolitical tensions and the delicate balance that Baltic states maintain with Russia. Critics speculate that various underlying factors, including Lankovs' connections to figures close to the Kremlin, may have played a role in this controversial decision.

The incident poses significant implications for the academic and political discourse surrounding Russia and its impact in the Baltic region. As scholars and researchers navigate the complexities of their work, cases like Lankovs' serve as a reminder of the risks involved in discussing contentious geopolitical issues, especially in areas with fraught relations with Russia. This situation may deter other experts from engaging in similar research, thereby stifacing academic freedom in the region.