Analyst: Russia keeps spreading disinformation about Latvia

Political scientist Andis Kudors has published an analysis of Russia's disinformation campaigns against Latvia this year, noting they largely repeat narratives seen in previous years.

As an example, he cites a May statement from Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claiming Ukraine was preparing to strike targets in Russia from Latvian territory. The statement came shortly after incidents in which Ukrainian drones that had gone off course crashed on Latvian territory. According to Kudors, such messaging aims to reduce allied support for Ukraine and suggest that helping Ukraine endangers Latvia.

A state-funded book

In July, a book titled "History of Latvia" was presented at the Russian agency TASS's press facilities. It was published by "Pravfond," a fund overseen by Russia's Foreign Ministry that was placed under EU sanctions this year over the hybrid threats and propaganda it generates. Kudors notes that its authors include people previously placed on Latvia's persona non grata list, a former intelligence officer expelled from Latvia, and pro-Kremlin activists who fled Latvia.

According to Kudors, the book portrays Latvia's time under the Russian Empire and Soviet rule as periods of stability and prosperity, while presenting Latvia's independence movement and current policies — including sanctions against Russia and the removal of Soviet monuments — in a critical light.

Aim: creating tension

Kudors concludes that Russia's disinformation narratives about Latvia have remained largely unchanged over the years and are mainly intended for domestic Russian audiences, having little real reach abroad. He argues that such publications are part of a broader effort by Russia to accuse Latvia internationally of discriminating against Russians and to create tension as part of hybrid warfare tactics.