Nearly one-third or 30% of Latvian residents that speak Latvian language in their family consider the scenario under which Russia will not stop with Ukraine and will attempt to invade Baltic States realistic, as reported by Ir magazine with reference to data from Friedrich Ebert Foundation’s study compiled in surveys conducted by SKDS at the end of April.
Respondents from mixed and Russian-speaking families do not consider this scenario believable – 23% of respondents from mixed families and 17% in Russian-speaking families consider Russia’s possible invasion of Baltic States realistic.
Respondents were asked what they would do if Russia decided to invade Latvia. Latvian-speaking respondents said they would help defend their country or support Latvian armed forces in some way (45%). Among Russian-speaking respondents this response was given by 12% and in mixed families – 25%, according to the survey.
A minority of respondents would consider fleeing the country, Russian-speakers more often than Latvian-speakers (23% and 14% respectively). This response was the most popular amount younger respondents.
According to Ir magazine, major differences of opinions are observed for the kind of geopolitical development path would be the most beneficial for Latvia’s interests. The majority of Latvian-speakers (68%) are in favour of closer cooperation with western countries, whereas t he majority of Russian-speaking respondents are more in favour of equally close relations with Russia and the west.
As for security guarantees for Latvia, even Russian-speaking respondents lean more towards the European Union than Russia, whereas when it comes to economic growth potential, they see more coming from economic ties with the neighbouring country rather than EU. A conflict of generations was also observed for this topic.
The majority of Russian-speakers born in independent Latvia tie both security and welfare with the country’s ties to the EU.
Respondents of a younger generation are much more positive about Latvia’s membership in EU and NATO, as well as the presence of the alliance’s forces in Latvia, Ir magazine reports with reference to data of the survey.
The study used results of a survey conducted by SKDS in person and online, interviewing more than 2 000 Latvian residents. Respondents also answered questions about the information sources they use, their opinion of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s policy, the possibility of ethnic conflicts escalating in Latvia, as well as other questions. Full results of the study will be published soon.