Nine road signs pointing to Russian cities illegally painted over near Rēzekne

Near the eastern Latvian city of Rēzekne, unknown persons have illegally painted over nine road signs that carried references to Russian cities, the state company Latvian State Roads (LVC) confirmed to the LETA news agency. LVC stressed that the action was not coordinated with the company and that law enforcement has been notified.

The State Police confirmed receiving a complaint about damage to property and opening a criminal case under Section 185, Part One of the Criminal Law, covering the intentional destruction or damage of another's property. An investigation is underway.

Where the signs were located

Four of the altered signs stood along the Rēzekne highway, at the 96th, 100.5th, 101st and 105.8th kilometer markers. Two more signs were located at the roundabout where the Rēzekne highway (A12) meets the Rēzekne bypass (A15), two at the roundabout connecting the Rēzekne highway with the Rēzekne–Daugavpils road (A13), and one at the roundabout where the Rēzekne highway meets the regional Rēzekne–Gulbene road (P36).

Government decision still pending

The incident occurred while the national-level question of what to do with road signs referencing Russia and Belarus remains unresolved. On September 15, the government postponed reviewing a Transport Ministry report that proposes several options for covering or replacing such signage. The ministry explained the delay was needed to clarify task deadlines and costs.

LVC noted that the Transport Ministry has submitted the matter for review by the Cabinet of Ministers, and no further action will be taken until a decision is reached. According to the report, the ministry intends to gradually reduce emphasis on the names of aggressor-state settlements on road signs across the national road network, using available funds without requesting additional state budget financing, provided this does not compromise traffic safety or the functionality of the route system. Broader plans call for improving the road sign and directional system over time, including partial adjustments, replacement of individual signs, or enhancing route markers with road numbering and European route designations.