Russian-Latvian relations ’complicated’ amid Ukraine crisis, says Moscow diplomat

  • 2014-07-25
  • From wire reports, RIGA

Russian ambassador to Ukraine Alexander Veshnyakov

Russian-Latvian relations have become more complicated since the conflict in Ukraine began, Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Veshnyakov has said.

Veshnyakov told LNT that the change in relations are due to Latvian officials expressing biased statements about the events in Ukraine and Russia's role in these events.

Currently there is active cooperation between Latvia and Russia in both economy and culture, said the ambassador. He also mentioned the upcoming guest-performances of Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Drama Theater in Omsk and Krasnoyarsk, as well as a slight improvement in economic cooperation this year.

However, Veshnyakov said he believes further cooperation may be halted in the future.

European Union's (EU) sanctions against Russia would have an impact on small countries neighboring with Russia, including Latvia, the diplomat added. These sanctions could lead to bankruptcies, higher unemployment and increased emigration.

Russia occupied the Crimean Peninsula belonging to Ukraine. The following month Crimea was annexed by Russia. international society has condemned the occupation of Crimea and does not recognize its annexation. In response, the EU, the United States and other western countries have applied sanctions against several Russian officials and Kremlin associates.

Military operations against pro-Moscow armed forces are currently continuing in Ukraine.