Dear @TheEconomist , have you ever read the history of Latvia's 🇱🇻 Russification crime before publishing this pro-Russification article? Highly recommended to educate your journalists! There is one state language in Latvia! Russian speakers, who do not want to learn the state language, should live in russia! Here the brief history of Latvia 🇱🇻 in the 20th century: The Republic of Latvia was founded on November 18, 1918, in the wake of World War I, during a period when many European nations gained independence from collapsing empires. Latvians—an enduring European people with a distinct language, culture, and identity—established their own democratic state. Latvia’s territory comprises four historic regions: Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Zemgale, and Latgale. The official language is Latvian, one of only two surviving Baltic languages, alongside Lithuanian. This linguistic heritage is a central pillar of Latvian national identity. Occupation and Totalitarian Rule For twenty years, Latvia developed as a democratic and economically vibrant European nation. However, in 1939–1940, Latvia became a victim of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, a secret agreement between Stalin and Hitler that divided Europe into spheres of influence. Under military threat, the Soviet Union forced Latvia into occupation in June 1940, staged sham elections, and illegally annexed the country into the USSR. Latvia’s leadership was deported to remote regions of the Soviet Union, state institutions were dismantled, and the population endured mass arrests, deportations, and political terror. In 1941, Nazi Germany attacked the Soviet Union and occupied Latvia, replacing one totalitarian regime with another. The Nazis did not restore Latvian independence and carried out their own repressions. Both regimes forcibly conscripted Latvians into their armed forces, often setting family members on opposite sides of the front. World War II ended with the defeat of Nazi Germany, but Latvia was re-occupied by the Soviet Union. The Latvian people again suffered mass deportations, imprisonment, and suppression of political, religious, and civic freedoms. Many families fled to the United States and other Western nations, forming a strong and active diaspora committed to restoring freedom in their homeland. Resistance and Restoration of Independence Despite five decades of occupation, Latvians maintained a spirit of resistance—both armed and non-violent. National partisans continued fighting for nearly a decade after the war. Exile organizations, together with Latvian diplomats in Washington and London, preserved the legal continuity of the Latvian state. The United States never recognized the Soviet annexation of Latvia —an act for which Latvians remain deeply grateful. In August 1991, Latvia restored its independence, which happened before the USSR was declared collapsed at the end of 1991. The Latvian people celebrated the return of freedom that had never been surrendered. Latvia Today For more than twenty years, Latvia has been a committed member of NATO and the European Union—a democratic, sovereign nation firmly anchored in the transatlantic community. Our experience under Soviet occupation informs our clear understanding of authoritarian threats and our strong commitment to collective security. For this reason, Latvians strongly reject the label “post-Soviet republic.” Latvia was not born out of the Soviet Union—it was occupied by it. Using the term “post-Soviet space” risks echoing Kremlin narratives that seek to reassert influence over formerly occupied nations. Solidarity with Ukraine Because of our own history of oppression and survival, Latvia stands unequivocally with Ukraine. Latvians understand, deeply and personally, the consequences of foreign occupation and the price of freedom. We support Ukraine not only out of solidarity, but because its victory is essential for the security of Europe and the transatlantic alliance.