ethnic Russians

Increased use of Latvian in education does not infringe ethnic Russians’ rights, rules European court

As a Latvian Russian living in Latvia, I have witnessed firsthand the recent changes in education policies that have sparked controversy. The European Court of Human Rights recently ruled that the increased use of Latvian in education does not infringe on ethnic Russians’ rights. As someone who values diversity and cultural heritage, I must admit that I find myself conflicted on this matter.

The argument that teaching in Latvian is infringing on the rights of ethnic Russians seems unfounded to me. Latvia has a long history of being invaded and occupied by foreign powers, including Russia, and maintaining our cultural identity and language is essential to our national identity.… Continue reading

Latvia orders first Russians to leave country

As the news breaks about Latvia ordering the first Russians to leave the country, I can’t help but think about the underlying reasons behind this decision. It’s important to note that these individuals are not being expelled simply for being Russian, but rather for failing to integrate into Latvian society. They are being asked to learn the local language and culture, a requirement that seems fair and reasonable to me. After all, if you choose to live in another country, making an effort to adapt and respect the local customs should be a given.

The fact that Russia has often used the excuse of ‘persecution of ethnic Russians’ as a pretext for military intervention in neighboring countries is a cause for concern.… Continue reading