Divided loyalties: Latvian Russians face uncertain future

Ethnic Russians are the largest minority group in Latvia, constituting roughly 25 % of the population. Their presence is a legacy of historic events, including the Soviet occupation. The ongoing war in Ukraine has added a layer of complexity to their lives, raising concerns about discrimination and fostering anxieties about their place in Latvian society. #latvia #ukraine #russia
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[@alinag844]

As someone from Kazakhstan, living in the US. I noticed a trend here. We got Brighton Beach in NYC where ethnic Russians don’t want to learn English and say how bad the “west” is yet are on Social Security and government funded houses 😂😂😂

[@genaugenommen]

this is what some russians call "druzhba" - friendship :D

[@My-name-is-user-tx6ow1ss3b]

​@@genaugenommenDid you find excuses for discrimination ? How are you still in the EU?

[@mango2005]

That man has had 33 years to learn Latvian. No excuses.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

He figured Russia would have reconquered Latvia by now.

[@ThisHandleWasTheOnly1Available]

French speakers constitute a smaller share of the Canadian population than Russian speakers of the Latvian. No one's forcing them to learn English.

[@nefanyo238]

Dr Doom would be upset at this so called Latvian.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

@@ThisHandleWasTheOnly1AvailableWell obviously nobody forced this Igor to learn Latvian either if he's 33 and doesn't speak a word of it.

[@231rosslyn]

@@eustacemcgoodboy9702 Then you don't know the russian mentality. Wherever they come, becomes a part of russia. That's how they view it.

[@i_barely_hee-know_her]

These Russians are colonists

[@sharptooth117]

Latvia must remain free of Russia.

[@user-di1mq8zq9b]

Are you even Latvian nafo bot?

[@joekazhama5789]

Simple as that!

[@ingridjernej6361]

Stop bullying ethnic russian living thete since decades and all is fine. But latvians are like israelis - we are the choosen ones. B4 you question - yes i was there also in estonia many times jobvise

[@IgorSmirnoff-qr3xd]

IT’s disputable

[@1112viggo]

Being champions of western values such as freedom, democracy, diversity and tolerance while putting restrictions on Russian language and News will only strengthen Putin's narrative and increase his support. A fact that should be obvious to a child...

[@jurgis6543]

Latvian here. Poor russians living in latvia for 30 years have to know Latvian? Poor russians living with no LV passport not knowing a word in Latvian living for 30 years. Suddenly opressed when cant do the very bare mininum to live in the country.

[@dns7587]

if they live in latvia for 30 years since latvia got independent they are latvians, why were they not given latvia passports in the 1990s ? That was a common practice after the disbandment of the Ussr, latvians who stayed in russia were granted russian citizenship no question asked

[@jurgis6543]

@@dns7587 they chose not to take the latvian passport. Because late 90 and early 20s it was more beneficial for them to keep their russian passports (pension visa ect) they where able to get a lv passport then and now as well.

[@Heinrih86]

60 years !

[@seb_1504]

🤡

[@WangMingGe]

@@dns7587 Because they refuse. They want to remain Russian, loyal to Russia, whose brutal occupation of Latvia gave them so many privileges as masters over the native Latvians.

[@alejandrovillalobos4964]

You don't like Latvian, you are free to go to Russia

[@Rb39-ej5hh]

Should all Swiss people speak Swiss-German? By your logic all the French and Italian speakers should go to France and Italy respectively.

[@nashonjoel20]

Latvia is their native Homeland.

[@turulszervac1714]

@@Rb39-ej5hh no, they should speak Romansh

[@elitaviksna4985]

@@maximkovalchuk2147No. Majority of them came here after 1944.

[@elitaviksna4985]

@@maximkovalchuk2147 So the Latvians gave shelter to your ancestors who were fleeing persecution, but in return you demand that we switch to the Russian language. Well well.

[@alanmarr3323]

You can understand it the way the Russians treated the Latvians. Hundreds of thousands were sent to Siberia

[@hasithakumarasiri8343]

So according to western democracy treat them same as they did? 😅

[@docp92]

So basically you are supporting a policy based on revenge? Wow, Latvia should leave the EU if that is the case. I am German, so that means I am guilty of the historic crimes my grandparents committed?

[@ultonian63]

@@hasithakumarasiri8343 Asking them to learn the national language doesn't exactly equate to packing women and children into freezing cattle trucks and sending them off to forced labour camps, but then you knew that already.

[@hasithakumarasiri8343]

@@ultonian63 what do you meant?

[@Baby_Noodles]

​@@hasithakumarasiri8343russians sent Latvians to siberia in cattle wagons and many died on the way from hunger, many died in Siberia

[@PG-wz7by]

Then move to Russia. Seriously. Or do you like the western comforts too much?

[@mafiooato7233]

Latvia is their country, why should they move to Russia?. It pure discrimination against Russians Latvians.

[@karliskokorevics6902]

​@@mafiooato7233 If they want to live in a Russian country, they can go to Russia. This is Latvia. Their illegal occupation of the country for 50 years shouldn't give them privilegetes.

[@rees5714]

@@mafiooato7233Because it’s Latvia and they can decide what they want in their country. You want to watch Russian TV? Too bad go to Russia or open KZbin or something lol

[@cyberfunk3793]

@@mafiooato7233 They should move to Russia because they are either occupiers sent there illegally or their descendants. Many of them don't even have a citizenship in the country so obviously the host country has no moral obligation to house these non citizens.

[@edthebumblingfool]

if they dont want to move they by default want to be latvians simple choice@@mafiooato7233

[@sheraamazing]

I am a native english speaker living in Latvia and also required to pass a basic language exam if I desire permanent residency. It is a requirement for everyone. I can use and speak english in many situations, just as Russian language is used in many situations.

[@Baby_Noodles]

Sveiciens no Valmieras, Jūs jau runājat latviski?

[@jakovlevs29]

There is a difference between a requirement for basic Latvian language knowledge and pushing senior people to leave the country that puts them in fear. There is no excuse for this action of the government and constitution court. I am Russian-speaking Latvian citizen who were born here and possess Latvian language skills on advance level.

It's it the same for people from other EU countries or outside the EU

[@jakovlevs29]

@ but how can people’s deportation due to insufficient language skills can be tolerated? DW, unfortunately, didn’t emphasised this most significant problem of this situation.

[@aleksandraslisauskas2871]

​@@jakovlevs29, eldery people are not required to pass language exams!

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

The audacity of a foreign speaking person to complain that in Latvia he is not "allowed" to speak Russian. And he think that is "division". The disregard and hate that Russian have for other cultures, language and countries is absolutely medieval and abhorrent.

[@ChuckNorrisCanSeeU]

For them its "unity" when a Latvian has to speak Russian, otherwise they wouldnt be able to communicate. "Unity" is when in some jobs a native Latvian, who doesnt speak Russian, is not going to be hired. "Unity" is when kids who went to Russian schools by the age of 18 were not able to hold a conversation in Latvian.

[@ginniemess]

They are the chosen ones! The "great russian culture" and all that. How dare you expect them to assimilate in a foreign country? Everyone must bow to them!

[@Vivi-vg9lx]

@@maximkovalchuk2147 and? There were not only Slavic tribes. i hope you also do know that Slavic doesn't mean Russian. Back then there was no Russia. How dumb can one be to think that whaever was 1000+ years ago should have an effect on todays geopolitics and culture. We're in 2024, dude.

[@maximkovalchuk2147]

@@Vivi-vg9lx look im Navalnist and feeling surpressed. History is the only way how we - Russian minority can prove to the world that we are ethnic here, on this land. First Latvian president knew mattar of fact that Russian schools must be allowed - he made a law acordingly. Plus how can smbd be that dumb, thinking history doesnt matter :D lol government by itsself is a concept created by people living on the land AND PAYING TAXES. In your optics constitution is a piece of junk since its old and its 2024 now - new rulles yeah anarchie wtf dude ?! There should be Status Que and this shoulb be based on a history and demographics. Only science should be in power and will, def not Latvian Neonazzis. I know 3 languages. Fluent in English, B2 Latvian, native - Russian. Im a citizen of Latvia that pay taxes and have Masters Degree, who are you to say that BS ? Prob some pro-western dude, that simply dont have emphaty for minorieties a.k.a. NeoNazzi

[@maximkovalchuk2147]

@@Vivi-vg9lx slavic tribe that lived on that land is The Krivichs or Kryvichs. Those east slavic tribes were RUSSIAN. Study history Billy Bob Plus “Krievs” translates directly as “Russian” from Latvian language.

[@Matys1975]

If I did not like western values as a Latvian Russian, I would simply just move to Russia. It’s as simple as that.

[@zoinked1351]

They want to eat their cake and have it

[@Lily-cv1ds]

I agree 💯

[@loganmancini8759]

True

[@mr.kostas3729]

No, they could simply leave them alone, and what Latvia is doing is not in sync with "Western values". Unless, this is what you think "Western values" are, which in this case amounts to intolerance and discrimination. 👍

[@AlexP-mi2bc]

You personally may think that way. And plenty of other ethnic Russians in Latvia (who have homes, families, property etc.) would rather have Russia take over Latvia. Because why not?

[@tkplaygames]

This is called historic karma. Until decades ago they oppressed and surpressed anyone that was not ethnic russian or dared to keep alive their own languages, than after the fall of the ussr they got their freedom and the oppressed now are played as oppressors because they don't want to be sucked back to the past. When you move to another country, you're a guest. If you moved or were born during a period when that country was occupied, than like many others across the world, you got two choices: a) leave freely since you don't want to accept the new reallity or b) stay and accept the new rules. Each country is like a home, you live on my home you live by my rules.

[@Crimson19977]

Well said. 👍🏻

[@bucium7]

Stay strong Latvia! Greetings from Romania! 🇷🇴

[@evisovi207]

👍✌️🇱🇻

[@Lena-xj5uh]

Totally crazy. Can anyone imagine that here in Germany someone would call education in German " a discrimination"?

[@RS-rz9lw]

in the USA you can have education in any language you want

[@xedvap]

It is same in Latvia. Not just for the state funds.@@RS-rz9lw

[@Crimson19977]

As Latvian, no I can’t 😂

[@delos2279]

@@RS-rz9lw 4 years of English classes are required in American high schools. But there is also lot of ESL accommodation for students who start out knowing no English. So they start out knowing no English. But when they graduate they do know English. That said, America is one of just 5 countries in the world with no national language so there's already not a comparison to Germany or Latvia.

[@AlexP-mi2bc]

That all depends on the perspective. IIRC, one of your major historic figures was complaining about discrimination of German people in Czechoslovakia (Sudetenland) with much basis to prove it. And the generation of your German grandparents were totally okay and went along with that.

[@michal2135]

There is no freedom of speech in russia but yet they demand free of speech from others😂

[@WangMingGe]

Because they believe they are a real important country, but they think Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, Moldova etc. are just provinces of Russia.

[@nt5898]

@@WangMingGe and those central asian countries

[@davidmbikumbix5871]

What about the West? Talk about free speech to Assange rotting in jail.

[@icecp4279]

so you admit the west doesnt have free speech? also nice whataboutism

[@WangMingGe]

Yes, those too. @@nt5898

[@ragael1024]

"why do i have to watch latvian channels?" because u are in Latvia. might come as a shock, but it's the truth. i live in a foreign country too. i watch local news in the local language, or in english. i am the foreigner here.

[@bent2419]

If you are born in a country, you not a foreigner

[@fjuraa]

Mandatory latvian language in Latvia? IM SHOCKED!

[@DacianRider]

yeeeeeeeeeep... ruzkies and hungolians are the usual culprits.

[@Sarah_Eva]

I was just in Latvia in December. It is a beautiful country with so many nice and kind people. I hope that peace will remain.

[@AlexP-mi2bc]

It was a beautiful country with so many nice and kind people before summer 1939 when bigger countries in Europe decided its fate. Moreover, I never really understood the whole "non-citizen" concept. Latvia and Estonia were shooting themselves in the foot by stimulating the formation of the 5th columns within their own borders.

[@kacperzimowski4626]

@@AlexP-mi2bc Please come back to the comment section when you are sober. What are you even talking about...?

[@AlexP-mi2bc]

@@kacperzimowski4626 Sober? I am referring to Molotov-Ribbentrop agreement (and secret protocols). And what followed in September 1939 speaks volumes to how reliable the West actually is in the time of trouble.

[@flopunkt3665]

​@@AlexP-mi2bcLithuania gave citizenship to people of Russian decent. Still they're not any better off.

[@anti-emo4721]

No one mentions the fact that most ethnic Latvians can speak at least in one foreign language, while most Latvian Russians can't!

[@user-zi2ru7qe3l]

It's there choice, not a crime.

[@anti-emo4721]

@@user-zi2ru7qe3l Where? 🤦‍♂

[@Nubbe999]

@@user-zi2ru7qe3lOne could think that learning the language of a country is one part of being a citizen. Being a citizen also has responsibilities and not just demands.

[@user-lvqk2wdp8sjn]

@@user-zi2ru7qe3lA crime? During WWII, thousands of Latvians were killed or driven from their country. After the war and Soviet takeover, many Latvians were sent to Siberia, while thousands of Russians migrated into Latvia. Russian become the official language there, and all Latvians were forced to learn it. The Latvian language, one of the oldest in Europe (it is related to Sanskrit, a language of ancient India), is spoken by less than 2 m people vs 20 X that number who speak Russian.

[@jiminverness]

@@user-lvqk2wdp8sjn More like 100x

[@matrixberzins465]

As a resident of Latvia, it is interesting for me to watch such plots. 1) The press and journalists inflate the information bubble and try to create an exciting plot out of a simple matter. 2) Opposition between the national government and local government leaders has existed in Latvia since the first day and it can be found even in cities where 90% of the population are Latvians, but the state government will be criticized anyway. So that in this plot, Daugavpils is not a special case. 3) There was a mistake in the plot - not Russians are required to show Latvian-controlled skills, but only the citizens of the Russian Federation living in Latvia - their number is approximately 23,000 - because they live in Latvia with residence permits, so that they can be extended, it was decided that they at least have a basic conversational language level, you must know the Latvian language. 4) At the beginning of the plot, there is also false information from Oļeg Vinogradov - Latvians were 100% really in favor of restoring Latvia's independence, but Russians only a part, and most Russians were in favor of preserving the USSR. And if the main goal of the Latvians was a democratic Republic of Latvia, then the Russians had primarily economic considerations, because the USSR had a huge economic crisis, which led to a shortage of goods and currency devaluation. And the situation between Latvians and Russians is not as bleak as they try to portray it here - old Russian pensioners who have lived all their lives with the awareness of a great USSR may have difficulty fitting in, but the younger generation gets along without problems and even often young Russians oppose older people. who do not want to fit into the Latvian environment.

[@piggyraccoon5464]

Tev jabut Augšā

[@GothPaoki]

Yea but that doesn't fit with the Western narrative Russian - bad so ofc they'll misrepresent it.

[@newstaro3460]

Thank you for your insight.

[@GothPaoki]

I guess that misinformation is part of the Russian - bad narrative.

[@blacklion8208]

So there's no need for Putin to say that mother Russia needs to invade Latvia and protect its russian people. Then why where they in Latvia in vast number? Sounds like you are trying to deflect the truth of mother Russia's true intentions. All they have to say is; "Putin, we are alright, don't come here"! But they won't.

[@yanis_s500]

I am a Latvian and I will never understand how some people livi in this country for all of their lives and speak only Russian?!?!? To me, thats lazy and selfish and very naive. If you respect the country you live in, then learn at least a basic Latvian. How can a person not learn a couplenof words in Latvian by living here for 30 or 50 years???????

[@cyberfunk3793]

They obviously don't respect the country they live in, that is the whole problem.

[@redas5257]

Exactly, I mean how dumb you have to be not to learn it such time? They choose to ignore it on purpose, and lets face it mane wait for russia to comeback but they dont want to say it

[@solinvictus6587]

I am neither Latvian nor Russian, but I think your country's biggest problem is that only 62% of its population is ethnic Latvian. I mean, the country's population is very small but the proportion of ethnic Russians is too high so they don't feel that they should adapt. Lithuania is much luckier in this respect (small Russian minority). During the 90s I thought it would have been better if Latvia and Lithuania had created some kind of union with common parliament and government, to minimize the influence of the Russian community.

[@norman4588]

True.

[@pacpac-je1ow]

​@@redas5257Don't impose your logic on others. I mean, you can do that, but stop calling your country a "democracy."

[@irynaklein5503]

You are doing it great, Latvia! Keep it up ❤️ wishes from Ukraine 🇱🇻🇺🇦

[@blahblah-qx4uk]

The government is not saying they have to speak Latvian at home or in their community (markets etc). And they are perfectly welcome to learn Russian, to teach Russian to their children. All the laws say is that the main government school curriculum is taught in Latvian so at best their kids grow up bilingual. Nothing wrong with that. If they want Russian education and to deal with government in Russian only they can go to live in Russia. How would German feel if Turkish immigrants or ethnicity refused to learn German and insisted on their education being in Turkish only?

[@mabrenz_n5391]

your example is totally wrong, first of all Germany and Turkey were never at point joint together as one country. But Latvia and Russia were and people moved along the soviet to different parts under the Soviet union. There were different languages and cultures under one country and what the Latvian gvt is doing now is exactly what the Ukrainian gvt was doing with Russians in the Donbass, DISCRIMINATION!!!.

[@heyguyswhatshappening6210]

Come to Macedonia they have schools for ethnic Albanians

[@joejohnson6327]

@@mabrenz_n5391 Latvia was OCCUPIED by the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1991 & COLONIZED by Russian settlers.

[@XzaroX]

@@mabrenz_n5391Latvia did not join the soviet union willingly.

[@d.b.2215]

​@@mabrenz_n5391Latvia was "joint" with Russia in the Soviet Union by FORCE. In 1944-1945. Russia was and still is a colonial empire.

[@Baby_Noodles]

I am Latvian 🇱🇻. I am reading some comments and I am shocked that some are suggesting that we adopt Russian as a second national language. Seriously? If this happens, they will never want to learn Latvian and will continue to watch Russian verbal diarrhea television. And for those who write that we discriminate against Russians - what discrimination? Oh, do you have to learn Latvian in Latvia? How dare us!! Russians can speak Russian at home, speak Russian among themselves, no one is oppressed. If a Russian does not like the Latvian language and our laws, he can go to live in Russia. When I'm in Sweden, do I ask people to speak Latvian with me? No. Latvian Russians who have not learned Latvian since independence, respect Latvia and learn Latvian!

[@docp92]

No dude. You are Latvian and, if you want to be part of the western world and the benefits of the EU, you should have a mentality based on mutual respect. Both you should be learning Russian and the Ethnically Russians should be learning Latvian. Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Spain do it within their population... if you can't understand that, your country should be leaving the EU and stop pretending it is a European democracy.

[@Baby_Noodles]

​@@docp92should i remind you what they did to us, pimpausi?

[@docp92]

@@Baby_Noodles that is a policy based on revenge and that is against EU law. If ethnic Russians invaded and opresed Latvians years ago, that does not mean their descendants are guilty of that. You are not guilty of the crimes your parents committed.

[@turulszervac1714]

Tieši tā! Es pat neesmu latvietis bet es jau diviem gadiem studēju latviešu valodu

[@Baby_Noodles]

​@@turulszervac1714prieks dzirdēt. No kurienes Jūs esat?

[@maybehuman4]

Imagine having to speak Latvian in Latvia. Oh the atrocity. Ever heard of the expression "When in Rome?" Time to integrate or emigrate.

[@FlechAFlech]

WTF? why than in Istria in Croatia we have two languages, Italian and Croatian? Should we now go massacre/evict all people speaking Italian there? Should italians do the same in Tirol with German/Austrian population? Well i guess so, integrate or emigrate, even if you live there for hundreds of years.

[@proselytizingorthodoxpente8304]

If you want to take Russian citizenship, you have to be able to speak Russian.

[@tu1469]

Tell that to all the Mexicans in america

[@anti-emo4721]

@@tu1469 Look at the size of America and Latvia.

[@drapedblack7517]

Not being able to speak Latvian will make it hard to function in society if everyone else expects you to understand Latvian. They can speak Russian amongst friends or at home who cares.

[@patrickproost5707]

We all know by now how Russia reacts when Russians abroad are in "need"...

[@kacperzimowski4626]

Today Sweden has the gates open to NATO. The last Watch tower has just been built

[@atkars]

If a person does not understand simple Latvian language in Latvia while living here for their whole lives and get mad if someone doesn't talk with them in Russian, then it's a problem. Should have been solved long ago.

[@kacperzimowski4626]

"Should have been solved long ago." xd please don't summon the bear, please....

[@Rb39-ej5hh]

It's certainly a problem if they get mad that non-Russian speakers don't speak Russian. However, 35% of Latvians speak Russian as their native languages so both languages should be respected. It would be similarly problematic if Latvian speakers get mad that non-Latvian speakers don't speak Latvian.

[@rexluscus]

"Should have been solved long ago.": Are you German by any chance? Or did your family collaborate

[@WangMingGe]

@@rexluscus By collaborate, I guess you mean everyone who didn't want to be enslaved by Russia?

[@MrBell-iq3sm]

@@Rb39-ej5hh Russia has been using its language as a weapon to eradicate other cultures and their heritage. Why allowing the Russians, who has been trying to undermine the Baltic people ever since 1940 to continue? Why let Russia be an official language?

[@TheGersh18]

If you prefer to speak Russian and you support the Russian regime and feel you’re treated unfairly in Latvia, then why not just move to Russia? If you choose to live in the country then assimilate to the local culture. Don’t demand the old Soviet ways and demand school be taught in your language over the local language. Maybe if you show Latvia greater support than Russia, Latvians would be less hostile towards you. Embrace the country you’re in or move to the one you support.

[@user-rx3xr1cg9d]

What country are you from ? USA? But you are speaking English. You have to move to England.

[@sergeybebenin]

​@@user-rx3xr1cg9dEnglish is not russian. The entire world communicates in English. All programming languages are in English. Etc etc

[@CopmanZ]

the difference is that English is an official state language of the United States. and also in many others. russian is not recognized official language of Latvia

[@user-rx3xr1cg9d]

@@CopmanZ this is not right. Official language in USA must be: irokez, Siu, Apache, guron , Delaware))) they are Americans in USA (like Latvians in Latvia). But if you recognise English in USA , why not possible to recognise Russian in Latvia?

[@WangMingGe]

@@user-rx3xr1cg9d Read a bit of history, look how Russia today behaves towards it's neighbours, and you will see why all Russia's neighbours hate Russia and wish to not be dominated by it or its brutish and totalitarian culture.

[@genaugenommen]

As a Latvian (fluent in German and English) from Latvian country-side, I choose to work in Germany not in Latvian capital Riga, simply because of the fact I am not fluent in Russian. Plane flight LV-DE-LV takes less time as throught drive Riga. In many cases you won't get a proper job offers in Riga if you're not fluent in Russian. This is terribly wrong! This is consequences of soviet colonisation politics. And it is a very, very silent discrimination against Latvians in their own land.

[@docp92]

No! That is just the fact that Latvia has not accepted multiculturalism. I am from Spain and if I go to cities in Catalonia were Spanish is not widely spoken and I need to speak Catalan, I would accept it and learn Catalan! And the same for someone from Catalonia going to Madrid. So why not having an equal status between Russian and Latvian?

[@raisonneur682]

Obviously, it is your own interest, to act smart and learn Russian as well. You will be richer by doing so, not poorer + you can demonstrate positive behavior vs. local Russians in terms of language skills!

[@vladutz00ify]

​@@docp92now imagine you have to speak Catalan in Madrid

[@user-rc7vr6jw7i]

​@@docp92Wow, Catalan you can understand without learning it if you're native Spanish speaker. Latvian and Russian are two completely different languages, with different alphabets, different grammar

[@docp92]

@@vladutz00ify that is exactly my point. You will not get any answer back. The same if you speak Spanish in Girona, where most of the people speak Catalan.... Why not learning both? That Latvian-speakers learn Russian and Russian-Speakers learn Latvian... that would be better

[@alexandersuvorov2002]

Well, that’s ridiculous. I’ve been to Latvia and to Daugavpils specifically. The border control and customs speak fluent Russian, so clearly Russian language is not forbidden. Also you would be impressed by the amount of traffic between Latvia and Belarus and Russia. I agree with lady that says that this “oppression of Russians” rhetoric is driven by Putin and his cronies.

[@maxhugen]

Putler has endless lies he trots out to justify invading Ukraine... "NATO"... "Nazies"... "Liberation"... "Persecution" etc. He'll use similar BS against Latvia when he decides to extend his *"Third Russian Empire"* even further. 🤮 🇱🇻🇱🇻 Sargies, Latvija! 💪

[@cellb2619]

it's driven by western media

[@tibsyy895]

"(Putin),Please don't save us" made me laugh out loud! 😆😆

[@mmodef]

Let me get this straight. The Russian state has questions to the Ukrainian state, not because of the oppression of the Russian language, but because for 8 years the Ukrainian military shelled and killed civilians in Donetsk and Lugansk, including civilians with Russian passports.

[@BrianGriffin846]

@@mmodefNo honey, let me correct something. Simple. If you want the absolute control of another country and if that country refuses it what happens? We see what happens since 2014. This is going to be end of Russia sadly.

[@foilhat1138]

@@mmodef Russia invaded in 2014, there would be no shelling in the Donbas if Russia had stayed home.

[@joejohnson6327]

@@mmodef Be quiet, Putin-bot.

[@kempnda]

@ haha "let me get this straight" goes off the rail instantly xD

[@maxhugen]

"I want to live in Latvia... but I want to speak Russian, and vote for pro-Russian politicians, and support Putler, and watch Russian TV... *but I want to live in Latvia, not Russia."* 🇱🇻🇱🇻 Slava Latvijai 💪 🇺🇦🇺🇦 Slava Ukraine 💪

[@andre60937]

Freedom of choice or thought means nothing in your style of democracy. Sounds quite fascist

[@filipe5722]

​@@andre60937They can chose to live in Latvia and adapt to Latvian society. They can chose to live in Russia and adapt to Russian society.

[@karliskokorevics6902]

​@@andre60937 Latvia having one state language has been a thing since the country's founding in 1918. We had a referendum to change that in 2012, but majority of the population (including Russian speakers voted against that). Apart from that, the state does not prohibit speaking or thinking in any language.

[@danielbwest]

​@andre60937 you can't be given certain freedoms if you can't be trusted with them. That principle exists in every democracy. That's the hard truth. Crying about double standards won't change that reality

[@JAMMAJ-cq2bl]

If you want all that, Russia is the country you should move to.

[@JH-pv6rd]

Love to Latvia from Lithuania. Stay strong brothers and sisters ❤

[@claus-not-santa]

One Chihuahua barking louder than other.......... where is the third?

[@Baby_Noodles]

Braliuka 🇱🇹🇱🇻

[@user-lvqk2wdp8sjn]

@@claus-not-santa The one you kowtow to? Hiding in the Kremlin.

[@claus-not-santa]

@@user-lvqk2wdp8sjn What an Estonian is doing in Kremlin?

[@claus-not-santa]

@@user-lvqk2wdp8sjn I do not know any Estonian hiding there!

[@divumque]

If they want to live in Latvia, they should renounce the ruzzian passport and only have a Latvian one. They may use the ruzzian language in their family/community but they have to learn Latvian, the official language, for businesses and official situation.

[@docp92]

Wait I thought the EU was based on multiculturalism and respect for other identities... Why not make Russian an official language of the country? Why not teach both Latvian AND Russian to everyone in high school? Belgium does it with French and Dutch and it works...

[@fabik805]

@@docp92 Why not teach Turkish in German schools? Why not teach Arabic in French schools? Why not teach Serbian in Austrian schools? Why not teach Albanian in Swiss schools? If you live in a country you have to learn the official language. Period. There are countries with multiple official languages. Latvia isn't one of them. Russians are just immigrants like Turks in Germany.

[@vilnz]

Unity for russians living in Latvia is when latvians with them talks in russian, when education is in russian, when all services are in russian, basicly they want to live in russia.

[@user-rz5di8fv9x]

*Move to Russia and you will have the Full Experience that you Desire - Don't be Hypocrites - Move to Russia, Period.*

[@WangMingGe]

You misunderstand them. They don't want to go to Russia. They have a colonial mentality. They want to be the masters, who rule over the Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian, Ukrainian etc. serfs beneath them, like before.

[@Lucas-wn5wm]

​@@WangMingGe increase their taxes and remove benefits

[@gumby2241]

This is the same attitude that got Ukraine into so much trouble. Your ultra nationalism may be the death of you.

[@marky1974]

This probably wouldn't be such in issue if Russia was a democracy instead of a fascist dictatorship..the fear of Putler stokes division..

[@Sebastian-fk3gs]

Putin didn't exist during the Northern wars and the Holodomor. Russia itself is imperialistic and entitled and will always be a threat

[@slayer45140]

This is exactly 100 percent accurate

[@edthebumblingfool]

Pretty simple you want to be Russian you sell your posesions and move to Russia you will be able to buy more stuff in Russia with the same money

[@WangMingGe]

Yes, but in Russia they would be equal to everyone else. What they really want is like in USSR days, when Russians are masters, Latvians (and Ukrainians, Lithuanians, etc.) their servants.

[@RolandBizjets]

Asians, Americans, Europeans that come to Latvia from abroad can speak perfect Latvian here. What's so special about russians?

[@cadiencanaille4387]

Have you researched how linguistic minorities are treated in Russia? Are there Russian schools where Latvian or other minority languages are the language of instruction? Can people in Russia have access to television from Latvia or other European countries?

[@AlexP-mi2bc]

How is that relevant? The West didn't lift a finger when it could help the Chechens gain independence in the 90s. Now it's too late.

[@armaturistas]

Pack you stuff, and go to Russia, easy and simple.

[@furiousg3orge]

It’s their country.

[@armaturistas]

@@furiousg3orge them country is Russia, not Latvia. They belong in Russia, not in Latvia or Estonia.

[@mbrofoc]

​@@armaturistasit's not your choice to choose where you are born. Latvia is a country who was born there, and it isn't important what nation it is.

[@rubenssilva6902]

​@@mbrofoctechnically he is not wrong Most russians in latvia are considered forced-colonials not emigrants by any means, dueing the USSR times many policies were adopted to supress latvisn identity, forcing russian to be the main lenguage, deporting latvians and forcing russians to replsce those who were deported Its not discrimination like people paint, you are in latvia, not russia, brazil has a identical policy, you either speak portuguese or your out, no in between.

[@mbrofoc]

@@rubenssilva6902 brazil didn't require to speak portugese for every citizen only if you're go to naturalization. In Latvia YOU MUST proof you're speak latvian language, if you're not then you're not citizen.

[@XzaroX]

And this is why Lithuania refused to accept Kaliningrad both times it was offered to them. They dodged the same bullet twice.

[@Booz2020]

Never Say NEVER 😎 Justin Bieber

[@ElenaKomleva]

No one ever offered them Kaliningrad! 😂😂😂 What do you smoke.

[@Kohagaan]

@@ElenaKomleva are you sure about that? Why don't you google it?

[@Kohagaan]

@@ElenaKomleva are you sure about that?

[@Dread_2137]

@@ElenaKomleva it was offered to them 3 times. In 1945 soviet authorities were deciding which soviet republic the newly acquired region should join. Both Lithuanian and Belarusian republics were considered. The choice fell on Lithuanian SSR because the republic and the region had a common border. First Secretary of Lithuanian SSR Antanas Sniečkus refused in fear that his republic would invite the same problems with a large russian minority that were mounting in Latvia and Estonia. So Kaliningrad region went to RSFSR. In 1963 Nikita Khrushev offered the region to Lithuanian SSR again. Once again First Secretary Antanas Sniečkus declined the offer. Last time Kaliningrad region was offered to Lithuania in 1987. Lithuania missed their chance for the last time.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

Nobody banned education in Russian. Latvia stopped funding and running Russian language schools for Russian children. Would Germany fund and run Turkish language schools for Turkish children? Romanian? Chinese? No! In Latvia the language of the nation is Latvian. So learn it. This dude doesn't even speak the language after living here 50 years. Many such cases. Embarrassing. Can Russians not learn a 2nd language or do they refuse?

[@Rb39-ej5hh]

Let's not compare a 35% linguistic minority to the Turkish diaspora in Germany. A better comparison would be Swizterland and Belgium which do fund schools in minority languages.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

@@Rb39-ej5hhYea? Were Belgium and Switzerland forcibly occupied by murderous Bolshevik Commies who tried to genocide the native people, language, and culture?

[@fabik805]

@@Rb39-ej5hh No the Turkish comparison is better. Because the ethnic minorities in Switzerland and Belgium, are not immigrants.

[@Kktkkbshsjsbxjskhsb1888]

from India living in Latvia for the last 6 years and now I am learning the Latvian language at the A2 level, If the Indian population increases in the next decade, I will always follow with Latvian Government Rules otherwise I have to leave the country

[@afya7595]

Thank you for learning our language🙏🏻

[@shaiaheyes2c41]

Then move to RUSSIA. Latvia is not Russia you see, you're in the wrong country.

[@JAMMAJ-cq2bl]

👏👏👍

[@user-jc5zd4pw5m]

Please ask the Russians how they acquired their homes/apartments especially in Riga. Most of the original Latvians that owned property and were sent to the gulags had their possessions (and land) stolen by Russians. Russians are welcome to leave Latvija.

[@alexandersuvorov2002]

That was 85 years ago. You sound like Putin. Get over it.

[@sergeybebenin]

​@@alexandersuvorov2002 Yeah? And I bet you wouldn't mind your grandchildren saying the exact same thing about Mariupol, right?

[@alexandersuvorov2002]

@@sergeybebenin Should Ukrainians evacuate from Crimea just because it was handed over to Ukraine during Soviet period? What you guys are suggesting here is rewriting history and that’s exactly what Putin is doing right now.

[@sergeybebenin]

@@alexandersuvorov2002 no, Crimea is internationally recognized as Ukraine. Even ruszo federation recognized it as such. No one is rewriting history. Baltic states are simply defending their interests..... You know, trying to neutralize the main reason/excuse/pretext for ruszians to claim territories and annexations (i.e. language)

[@alexandersuvorov2002]

@@sergeybebenin Crimea never was part of Ukraine until it was handed over to Ukraine by Russia. There were no Ukrainians in Crimea and most of native tartars were expelled from Crimea and sent to Siberia (similarly to Latvians 80 years ago). Now Crimea is considered part of Ukraine, but I don’t hear Ukrainians leaving their real estate and handing it over to tartars. Or shall we bring this subject up for revision?

[@fishheadbreakroom]

that generation is fading fast, as you see the ages of the people interviewed. Another generation this will be washed away and that is what they are really angry about. That their kids will be integrated with the country they are born and live in.

[@cyberfunk3793]

Not true. There are younger ethnic RU that think this way also, not just as many as in the older generations. Go to Narva for example and you will find younger people too that support Putin.

[@fishheadbreakroom]

@@cyberfunk3793 jah, just. They are maybe a few more generations away from integrating. Maybe faster now without the tank.

[@Peterishd]

Yeah thats true. It's mostly the old Russian people who lived through USSR hayday that are pro putin fans. Most of the younger generation that were born in independent Latvia are not pro-putin and often are completely against him.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

Eh, most of the Russians in Riga in their 20's are ultra nationalist Russians and support Putin, the war, all of it. I work in Riga with young programmers, many Russians. This problem will continue for a long time to come.

[@frankthetank5708]

​@@eustacemcgoodboy9702 In that case they'll probably better leave the EU. Support of fascist ideology is somewhat problematic, because of the core values the members of the bloc have agreed upon.

[@DaddyBLUE90S]

I’m surprised the Russian community in New York doesn’t complain about oppression

[@palar4195]

aren't coz they able to communicate with authorities in russian, able to have education in russian and not treated as second grade citizens?

[@rapaern2716]

Russians still be like "why dont you love us?"

[@irynaklein5503]

Imperial ambitions at its finest

[@EMILFEIKMAN]

Topic about Latvia, yet I didnt hear a single Latvian word in any interview. 🤷‍♂️

[@arted0]

DW shows how journalism has to work - only Russian speaking individuals have been interviewed 😂

[@TecraX2]

If they like Russia so much, then why don't they simply move there?!?

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

Because it sucks there and they would lose access to the entire E.U. and lose 90% of their salary and purchasing power. Russians live far better outside of Russia than they ever could in Russia. They all visit family in Russia and know what kind of life awaits them there if they are returned.

[@ninaotan7811]

Latvians do not have other country which they consider their own. If Russians are not happy there, they can move to the motherland to listen to the Russian TV. I guess this move will be welcomed by the Latvians.

[@user-xt5yz8wm7z]

Troll 😂

[@kacperzimowski4626]

Love from Poland to Latvia

[@g.peters244]

I have a very simple advice to all humiliated Russian citizens in any country, on this planet - Чемодан. Железнодорожная станция. Камчатка!

[@myownkey]

Latvia's State Language Law states : Section 2 (2) Language use in private institutions, organisations, undertakings (companies) and with respect to self-employed persons shall be regulated, if their activities affect the lawful interests of the public (public security, health, morality, health care, protection of consumer rights and employment rights, safety in the work place and public administration supervision) (hereinafter also - lawful interests of the public) and to the extent that the necessary restriction which has been set in the lawful interests of the public is proportional to the rights and interests of private institutions, organisations and undertakings (companies). (3) This Law does not apply to the use of language in unofficial communications of the inhabitants of Latvia, in internal communications of national and ethnic groups, or in services, ceremonies, rituals and other kinds of religious activity of religious organisations. Section 6 (2) Employees of private institutions, organisations and undertakings (companies), and self-employed persons, shall use the official language if their activities affect the lawful interests of the public (public security, health, morality, health care, protection of consumer rights and employment rights, safety in the work place, supervision of public administration). (3) Employees of private institutions, organisations and undertakings (companies), and self-employed persons who perform specific public functions on the basis of laws or other regulatory enactments, shall be fluent in and use the official language to the extent necessary for performance of the relevant functions. RUSSIAN IS NOT BANNED IN LATVIA

[@nicholasmaude6906]

Since Russian has a badly deteriorating demographic situation then the Russians living in Latvia can always leave for Russia where they would be welcome.

[@thomaskortvelyessy]

Decolonization is always difficult and complicated, especially for those who keep holding on to narratives of the colonizer. Suddenly they no longer can just use their privileges as they used to. Thank you for the open and diverse reporting, not evading these complications and highlighting the very real dangers of re-colonization by Russia

[@sergersgerhersh6594]

The USSR/Russia has caused a lot of suffering in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. They're not even sorry for it. You can't blame Latvians, Poles, Romanians, Estonians, Ukrainians, etc. for not liking or trusting them.

[@coconuciferanuts339]

Russia wants to live in the past Everything changes.

[@aaronalegria1239]

​@@coconuciferanuts339who has nukes?

[@oldsenpai4337]

@@aaronalegria1239 both sides ? lmao USA has nukes stationed in Europe. Whats your point??

[@Robert-xy4xi]

​@@sergersgerhersh6594 Really, was the Baltic States, Romania that sided with Germany in World War 2!

[@mezaveirs2135]

Russian are ocupants in Latvia and we don't forget ocupation time and deportations to Siberia. And in Ukraina we can see true russian face!

[@markaxworthy2508]

Any compromise settlement over Ukraine may have to include the repatriation of Russian colonists in the Baltic States and Moldova. Otherwise the same excuse used in Ukraine for Russian intervention may be used elsewhere.

[@bloggalot4718]

Don’t forget the Russians who migrated to Georgia when Russia invaded.

[@nataliemplayer6348]

ну почему же не уехать на историческую родину и говорить на своём языке?ведь там вас ждут!?

[@marane-hand]

It is Latvia, not russia.

[@paulfenton734]

Education should be in the language of the host nation. As long as those who speak Russian can do so freely with their friends and family I don’t see the issue. To expect the host nation to pander to the whims of the remnants of imperialistic colonialism however is not a right. These countries are rightly stamping their own identities on their own country. The children of those Russians should surely be encouraged to have Latvian as their first language if they see their future in Latvia. Pro-putin ideals should be unacceptable in the country and if people feel that strongly about living under the rule of Russia should understand they live in a different sovereign country or pack up and go there.

[@cyberfunk3793]

They are encouraged to learn Latvian and also Estonian in Estonia, but the problem is the mindset. Some of them believe they own every place they set their foot in, can be in the country their whole lives without even learning the language and without even a citizenship.

[@urbansenicar81]

Yeah, stamping their own identities on their own country.

[@fillosof66689]

Tell that to Canada. The percentage of Quebec francophones there is about the same as Russian speakers in all three Baltic states, yet the country is bilingual by law in all aspects of its government.

[@proselytizingorthodoxpente8304]

I think the language thing only applies to those Russians who settled in Latvia during the Russian occupation. Their children, if they are born in Latvia, get automatic citizenship whether they speak Latvian or not. Any Russian who got Russian citizenship before Russian occupation, or after Russian occupation ended, is still Latvian. Basically, Latvia has the same policy of having to speak the host nations language if you want to take citizenship as Russia does - If you want Russian citizenship, you have to speak Russian.

[@cyberfunk3793]

@@fillosof66689 What does that have to do with anything? Every country can decide themselves what are the official languages of the country. Lots of Spanish speakers in US, do you think it should be official language there?

[@esnezinu_neko8768]

If you want to live in Latvia-integrate. If you do not want to livein Latvia- take a train to place you feal you culturally belong(language being part of cultural identity).

[@oxanac9715]

the complaint about "everything had to become in Latvian".... Duh you are living in Latvia. Unbelievable! Do they not understand that each country has the right to have its own language. Its not RUSSIA. If you want everything in Russian, go to Russia, in French go to France... etc.

[@karliskokorevics6902]

Well, yeah. In their eyes they thrived under the occupation they themselves brought to Latvia. Back in the Soviet days, they saw Russian as more civilized than "primitive" Latvian.

[@kleuafflatus]

I'm from hong kong, and I think my experience, although a failed one, is one that the ethnic Russians in the EU can look at and study. In the past 10 years we tried to create our own separate cultural identity, which was not very clearly defined nor actively preserved before 2012. We are neither anti-Beijing or pro-west (although that's the sentiments as pressure from Beijing grew, it didn't define us), but simply hong kong. We are ethnically Chinese, but the whole world knew how we are different and where we stand, and some chose to stand with us. In fact Taiwan is even more pronounced now with their identity than hong kong, and likewise the world sees and understands the difference, as the people of Taiwan can freely choose to unite under this Taiwanese identity and banner. Ethnic Russians in the Baltic, particularly those who understand European and Russian value, in contrast to the Putin value, should come together and create their own identity, gradually but surely separated from the Russian one that's totally controlled and under the influence of Putin. We hong kongers didn't enjoy any political guarantee and we didn't have any infrastructure to defend our identity, unlike the ethnic Russians in the Baltic, so should the Baltic governments pay attention and act accordingly now, it shouldn't be hard for both Baltic people and Baltic Russians to accept. Instead of forcing them to choose between losing their Russian identity or becoming Putin's pawn, they can become their own culturally defined group, the peace loving people that work with the rest of the world while proudly and fundamentally Baltic Russian.

[@Pietrofs75]

You said you represent Hong Kong people? this is really ridiculous! Nowhere in your background does it state that you are from Hong Kong. 😊

[@kleuafflatus]

@@Pietrofs75 this is the internet, you don't get to know who are posting it, but you can judge my logic in my commemt alone. I don't need to prove it to you, but just to entertain you, 當然我可以用中文打出黎，無錯我係香港人，而以上係我對波羅的海三國嘅俄羅斯人同埋佢地政府嘅睇法同建議。 I don't represent all hong kong people, but myself alone, one individual hong konger.

[@quantum9571]

Somewhat more appropriate analog is the ethnic Chinese accounting for 25% of the population of Malaysia. They are mostly bilingual and trilingual of Malay, English and different dialects of Chinese.

[@mbrofoc]

I fully support your statement. There is no justification to discriminate against any minority in any country. By that discrimination you make an enemy for yourself. People in Latvia and any other countries don't be surprised why you have so many opponents in your state.

[@vilnaric3127]

I agree to the idea that the russian speaking people who feel as if they're being treated unjust should come together and form their own identity, but the problem with that is that most russian only speakers who live in the baltics do not care about such an idea. There are plenty of russian families that have assimilated into society by learning the latvian or estonian or lithuanian language and speaking bilingually. The only people that are dissatisfied with any of the new laws are people that completely refuse to learn and adapt. If you were to move from your place of birth and move to a country with a different culture and language, you wouldn't just continue to speak a language that is foreign to all the natives. The only reason such a problem exists is because of Russification under the soviet rule which saw massive migration of ethnic russian people into the Baltics and a lot of baltic country natives being sent out to different soviet republics. Lithuania was the only baltic country of the three to resist this process thus problems of this kind are unheard of. And the small minority of people who do want their own identity separate from the russian federation rule don't have to look far. Kaliningrad has been a russian speaking exclave since the fall of the USSR and has seen great economic growth, but it is still a part of russia, because no one has been willing to make it a separate nation from the Putin controlled Russia, and even if they were it would be increasingly hard to achieve because the region is held tight in russian control due to the military resources and installations the Russian Federation has placed there. I am certain that all European nations would be completely in favour of Kaliningrad establishing it's own identity separate from the RF, but as it stands now it can only be perceived as a security threat.

[@robzan9266]

What about the minorities in Russia??? Are they ok?

[@alexanderthegreat5519]

If you live in another country, learn that language or leave!

[@ssneg]

2:47 You are intentionally and cunningly lumping together two very different groups: Russian-speaking minority of Latvia (I am one) and Citizens of Russian Federation who reside in Latvia on permits. The law requires the Citizens of Russian Federation to pass language check (same as Germany!). You make it sound as if any Russian-speaking person in the country regardless of their citizenship has to go through the test. NO. Only Citizens of Russian Federation. The same Federation that threatens a nuclear strike on us on a weekly basis.

[@WorldCitizen0000]

Latvia should be careful about 5th columnists... If you live in a country you must above all speak the language.

[@tandrichter]

Supremacy and arrogance still prevail over decency, gratitude and humility with the Russian contingent in all former Soviet states , now independent from Russia. These are people that have been sent by Russia as its lieutenants, were entitled and empowered by Russia when Eastern Europe fell and was taken over by Soviet Union. They were the new ruling classes in administration and local government. Of course, they feel they should not speak anything but Russian, the Conqueror's language after all. They love the benefits of the new democracies where they live but not so much as to mix with the locals whom they regard inferior. Mixed marriages between them and the locals are not really acceptable. These are the facts around all these Russian communities outside Russia.

[@milin1]

Ну время у русско говорящих для интерграции было много , я свои документы сдал еще в 2000х. Я щетаю что живя в государстве нужно соблюдать его правила тем более язык. Я сейчас живу в Великобритании и выучил Английский что бы жить в стране - это нормально. А чего сейчас удивляться что русский люд так в стране напрягают, после столь нелепых действий кремлёвского режима ? Посмотрите на Украину, сколько там было "русских ждунов" которые мечтали об "освобождение" а получили "окупацию и смерть" .

[@deniseproxima2601]

Why? A colony

[@milin1]

@@deniseproxima2601 What why ?

[@louferrao2044]

If you live in Latvia, learn the Latvian language. If you are ethnic Russian learn the Russian language at home. Otherwise go to Russia if you are not happy. As for Putin it's nothing than an excuse to threathen Latvia. Why do the gave Pro Russian sentiment living in a EU country? That raises questions.

[@WangMingGe]

Because they are Russians, and they never change. Speaking as a Ukrainian, I know them well.

[@stunstar4553]

I remember Western media criticizing China's regulations on using Chinese language for teaching in public schools in Inner Mongolia

[@janisadijans]

How can there be unity if you live and in one country, but symphatize with another?

[@bloggalot4718]

Russian migration has been encouraged by the Kremlin to provide an excuse to invade as they did with Georgia.

[@boleklolek2649]

It is Putin's work to divide them. I've talked in the past with one of his supporters. He was using all the benefits of being member of EU and talking how bad EU is. I told him to migrate to Russia instead of complaining.😮😂

[@BGK531]

The Russia should defend its people wherever they are.

[@maritnordin6017]

Defend? From what? Education?

[@rogerpitcher2636]

'Putin, please don't save me' - perfect!

[@christopherx7428]

Latvia should be reasonably safe, as it is a member of Nato. Kazakhstan should be worried though, they have a very large Russian minority and it would be virtually impossible, logistically, to send aid to the if Putin should decide to expand his empire after carving out what he can in Ukraine. As for the Russian speaking minority in Latvia: Learn the language of the country you live in or move to Russia!

[@galinaqader]

Latvian government is doing the right thing. If someone loves russia so much and doesn't want to learn the language of the country where he/ she lives in.... then bye-bye, collect your things and go and live in the country of your dreams. In russia, there are a lot of ethnic Ukrainians, but there are no schools teaching the language. Latvia Rules!!!!! 🇦🇺

[@user-rz5di8fv9x]

*❤ Latvia ❤*

[@spacetagliatelle1520]

I live in Spain and here you can go to private school and study in English or Finish or Dutch. And no one demands that a person have to speak at certain level of spanish language to live here. This is what a democracy and human rights look like, unlike your Latvia Rules

[@del-see-oh]

I’m from the US. If I got a post at the US embassy in Riga would a Latvian have a problem with my children going to an English teaching school?

[@joejohnson6327]

@@spacetagliatelle1520 I'm sure you can make a great living in Spain if you only speak Finnish or Dutch. 😂

[@jiminverness]

@@spacetagliatelle1520 _"This is what a democracy and human rights look like, unlike your Latvia Rules"_ 1. Are the Spanish at risk of becoming a minority in their own country? 2. Does Spain have a barbaric huge country with 100x Spain's population next door, itching to invade Spain? Oh yes, how's _your_ version of "democracy" going in your crackdown against Catalan independence?

[@VasileIuga]

I mean they are colonists in a foreign country. They are lucky they can stay there to begin. Now wanting to convert Latvia in a Russian province goes against the independence of Latvia and their culture.

[@palar4195]

Latvians are foreigners on this soil, Czar Peter the Great brought these lands from Sweden in 1721 A.D.

[@Baby_Noodles]

​@@palar4195🤡 did u know that baltoc tribes came to Latvia way before that?

[@ortolitore1522]

@@palar4195 What Czar Peter did or did not do, stopped being important in 1918. Russia lost all the rights to Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, most of Belarus and Ukraine under the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918 to Germany. These countries became independent thanks to liberation wars and the treaties, signed by these countries and Russia. Russia promised to respect their independence forever.

[@palar4195]

​@@ortolitore1522 "Russia promised to respect their independence forever." - I doubt the "forever" part and anyway NATO promised "not the inch to the east" and yet we are here now.

[@EnjoyMoto]

"i want to watch Russian media but I want to live in Europe". It's priceless 😂

[@deniseproxima2601]

There was Russian and American and English media. With syncron speaker.

[@user-bz8ks4bp6t]

You know, it is absolutelly normal to live in Russia and watch BBC or CNN. But living in Latvia and watching RT is not. Explain to me where there is more democracy?

[@LanaKaniuka-ql3uo]

Well it is Russian way of annexing land that belongs to another nation!!! Why Latvia should gave own territory based on Russian in Latvia calling for referendum!!! They should go from where they came from!!! See that is the point, Russia annexed Ukraine territory by sending Troyan horses to Ukraine and green man… Now Latvia, but Latvia is lucky to be NATO member as Ukraine was denied in 2008!!! If wasn’t we wouldn’t have bloodshed on our land!!!

[@DmitryFCSM]

украина живет на ворованных территориях

[@nsaurabh25]

If you want to live in Russia, you have to learn Russian. If you want to live in Latvia, you have to learn Latvian. If you want to live in Spain, you have to learn Spanish. New global laws cannot be created for Russians, you don't like Latvia, return to Russia.

[@janisberzins8810]

Lot of them already showed their true face in 2022

[@Tomszirnis2]

LEARN LATVIAN

[@palar4195]

why spend lots of effort to learn dying language if you can learn much more usefull english with twice less time?

[@marky1974]

Russia has a declining population..why not offer a grant and job to people who want to live in Russia..would probably be less costly than invading and cause less misery..

[@Peterishd]

As a Latvian I think DW completely missed the mark with this video.

[@na-talemay9741]

I agree very

[@TomLennox24]

European colonists left British India and French Algeria when those colonies were dismantled. These ethnic Russians should be return to Russia if they can't assimilate into Latvian culture and be loyal to Latvia, same with the ethnic Russians in Ukraine.

[@aAverageFan]

The ethnic Russians in Ukraine have left for Russia and they took their land with them

[@cnino1971]

Then move to Russia! 😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 and live happily ever after!

[@hokkienlanggaming8556]

So the simplified Americanized version is that a bunch of people walk into a McDonalds, try to order a Whopper, say it's discrimination when McDonalds says it won't ever be offered on the menu, and they refuse to go across the street to Burger King because they like the service at McDonalds better?

[@erikitter6773]

Being against Siliņa is totally fine. Being pro Puting, or even pro "being saved by Putin", very much not. I am always irritated when ethnic whatevers living in "the west" are pro authocrat in the country of ethnic origin. This applies very much to ethnics Turks in Germany as well -- why are they overwhelmingly pro Erdogan, and not pushing for change instead? Not sure about our Russian identifying minorities (of whom most were identifying German when they came). And that is on-top of the problem of anyone primarily or strongly identifying as anything other than what is on the passport anyways, so here German and E.U. Ethnic backgrounds are fine for food preferrences and a second language choice, but if it makes determing sides in war of aggression hard something went wrong.

[@Micha-qv5uf]

But that also reveals a sense of entitlement. Guess what, no country on this planet allows you to only speak your own language or go to school in another language, if your family is from another country. If you want to live in France, you have to learn French and your children will be taught in French. If you want to live in Germany, you have to learn German and your children will be taught in German. There is no debate about it. German Russians speak German and even those who support Putin do not complain that they had to learn German living in Germany. So it always comes with this slight attitude of racism and entitlement that indicates Latvia wouldn't be a legitimate country with a legitimate sovereign language or at least not as legitimate as Russian. When you're born in Latvia and lived in Latvia all your life, it is not too much to ask from you to speak Latvian.

[@silviualbisoru5749]

Belgium allows schools in French,Flemish and German. Ireland in Irish and English Spain allows teaching in all provincial languages.Canada allows english and French…heck even Latvia allows polish,ukrainian,hebrew… so banning russian sounds like discrimination.

[@Crimson19977]

@@silviualbisoru5749 read Latvian state language laws. Russian is not banned in Latvia. Ethnic Russians can still speak their mother tongue in private.

[@silviualbisoru5749]

@@Crimson19977 we were talking about school here and interacting with the state not about what people can do in their own homes.

[@Micha-qv5uf]

@@silviualbisoru5749 Okay bro. Can you tell me what the Belgian language is supposed to be?

[@Crimson19977]

@@silviualbisoru5749 the official state language is Latvian, so obviously schools are in Latvian language as well. Where’s the problem? Also Latvia held a referendum at 2012 for making Russian 2nd official language and the majority voted no - including Russians. Like I said do your research. About Latvian state language laws and other stuff.

[@stuartbarker9373]

If you live in a country, have respect for that country, learn to speak that country's language.

[@cupoftea4787]

Well Latvia is part of NATO so invading them is completely different to the Ukraine situation

[@venomtailOG]

DW usually does a good job of documentaries but this was very sloppy. Counter argument never explored nor context given to civilian comments nor irony of such comments.

[@dmnu4ll]

Patriotic people should know state language. Period. Get over it!

[@ruben4927]

You want to speack Russian move to russia then

[@GoodOldFella970]

Even George Costanza was ready to learn basics of latvian language, and latvian-orthodox christianity..

[@Crimson19977]

Latvian-Lutheran Christianity* we are lutherans, mostly. Orthodoxy is mostly practiced by Russians in Latvia

[@nt5898]

while in russia, minority ethnics losing their native language. given hours in schools in those regions for native languages are less then russian language. for example; among shors people of 15 000 only 1000 can speak native.

[@virtual07]

That angry lady reporter Fanny Facsar seems to have a pro-Russian bias.

[@damiragisev2498]

As a Latvian Russian living in UK i dgaf about this