Director of NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence Jānis Sārts mentioned in an interview to Latvijas Radio on the 8th of December that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threats towards Latvia may become more frequent as presidential elections in Russia come closer.
Users on the internet spread a video fragment from Putin’s speech that many interpreted as threats and anger towards Latvian politicians’ treatment of Russian-speaking residents of Latvia.
Sārts stressed that people should not worry about such statements, because it is Putin’s goal to intimidate people.
“We shouldn’t be afraid, because that’s what he wants,” added Sārts.
He also stressed that, considering the approaching presidential elections, Russia may use the worry in Latvia that the war in Ukraine is not going well to spread similar statements.
Also read: Appropriate response will follow: Putin threatens Latvia
He allows that as the presidential elections in Russia come closer, there could be more of these statements from Russia.
LETA previously reported that the Russia State Duma announced the next presidential elections will be organised on the 17th of March 2024.
During a meeting broadcast live, members of the Federation Council unanimously voted in favour of organising elections on the third Sunday of March.
Although the 71-year-old Vladimir Putin has yet to officially confirm if he intends to run in presidential elections, he may do it in the coming days.
Thanks to the amendments to the Constitution, Putin can run for another six-year presidential term without any restrictions.
Also read: Putin: the “tragedy” of war in Ukraine must be stopped
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