Russia Preparing the Longest and Most Expensive Lawsuit in Latvia's History – Investigation Reveals Details
Russia, preparing a case at the UN International Court of Justice, accuses the Baltic states of discriminating against Russian speakers. Experts predict the process could become the most costly and lengthy litigation in Latvia's history.
Russia, together with Belarus, has released a report claiming that the Baltic states plan to deport Russian speakers. This is the third time the two countries have prepared such a document to criticize the West.
According to the Latvian Security Police (SAB), Russia is waging "legal warfare" by abusing international law. The most visible example is the preparation of a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, accusing the Baltics of discrimination against Russians. Regardless of the outcome, the litigation would occupy Latvian diplomats for years and likely become the most expensive in the country's history.
Russia Collects Evidence
Russia began sending protest notes in 2022. Since then, Latvia and Lithuania have received five, and Estonia four notes. They list alleged discriminatory measures from the restoration of independence to the present, including non-citizen status, language restrictions, education reform, and monument removal.
Moscow has recruited propagandists such as Vladimir Simindejs and Nikolajs Meževičs to prepare legal opinions. The law firm "Monastyrsky, Zyuba, Stepanov & Partners" (MZS), which cooperates with the Russian Foreign Ministry, has approached them for expertise. Simindejs is a former Russian embassy attaché who has been banned from entering Latvia.
Baltic States Reject Allegations as Baseless
Latvia's Foreign Ministry dismisses the accusations, stating they are based on disinformation. Officials from Estonia and Lithuania call it a hybrid warfare attempt to divert resources and reduce support for Ukraine.
Ieva Miļūna, a lecturer at Riga Graduate School of Law, sees no violations of the UN anti-discrimination convention in Russia's claims. In the worst case, the court could award compensation or impose interim measures, such as restoring Russian-language education. The litigation could last 3–10 years and cost millions of euros.
No lawsuit has been filed yet. The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated it will complete the pre-trial stage by the end of the year. SAB believes the lawsuit is only a matter of time.
