Baltic States – CIS, Economics, Latvia, Russia

Alexander Veshnyakov

Veshnyakov believes that this change in relations is due to Latvian officials expressing biased statements about the events in Ukrainia and Russia's role in these events.

Currently there is active cooperation between Latvia and Russia in both economy and culture, said the ambassador. He also mentioned the upcoming guest-performances of Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Drama Theater in Omsk and Krasnoyarsk, as well as a slight improvement in economic cooperation this year.

Nevertheless, there are indications suggesting that further expansion of the cooperation may be halted, Veshnyakov added.

He also explained that the European Union's (EU) sanctions against Russia will have an impact on the small countries that are neighboring with Russia, including Latvia. These sanctions could lead to bankruptcies, higher unemployment and increased emigration.

As reported, at the end of February, Russia occupied the Crimean Peninsula belonging to Ukraine. The following month Crimea was annexed by Russia. The international society has condemned the occupation of Crimea and does not recognize its annexation. In response, the EU, the United States and other western countries have applied sanctions against several Russian officials and Kremlin associates.

Military operations against pro-Moscow armed forces are currently continuing in Ukraine.