Latvia

In eastern Latvia, the closer you get to the Russian border, the more monuments to fallen Soviet soldiers you’ll find.

As war rages on in Ukraine, some ethnic Russians in Latvia say they feel marginalized

Ethnic Russians have been living in Latvia for decades. But with public opinion turning sharply against Russia since the war in Ukraine began, some say they are increasingly worried about their place in Latvian society.

As war rages on in Ukraine, some ethnic Russians in Latvia say they feel marginalized
Cars line up to cross from Latvia into Russia

Desperate Ukrainians crossing into Latvia while Russians are blocked

Desperate Ukrainians crossing into Latvia while Russians are blocked
Traditional firewood and pressed sawdust bricks used to be a cheap way to heat your home in Latvia. But with inflation and soaring demand, wood heat has tripled in cost so far this year — and winter hasn't yet begun.

Latvians brace for harsh winter under new austerity measures to lessen dependency on Russian energy

Latvians brace for harsh winter under new austerity measures to lessen dependency on Russian energy
A woman walks past painted letter Z's, which has become a symbol of the Russian military, on bridge piers in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, April 15, 2022. 

No Z allowed: Some European countries move to ban the symbol used to promote Russia’s war in Ukraine

No Z allowed: Some European countries move to ban the symbol used to promote Russia’s war in Ukraine
Russian state-owned television station RT logo is seen through a window with caution tape in front of a building

Baltic ban on Kremlin-tied RT step toward dismantling ‘machinery of disinformation,’ says media expert

Baltic ban on Kremlin-tied RT step toward dismantling ‘machinery of disinformation,’ says media expert
A person on an orange bicycle rides past a billboard of people with masks

Baltic 'bubble' looks to reopen regional travel

The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are poised to become one of the first blocs to reopen regional travel, thanks to their swift response to the pandemic and measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Baltic 'bubble' looks to reopen regional travel
A close up of hands holding a bourbon bottle and a bottle of hand and surface sanitizer

Iconic distilleries turn to hand sanitizer production around the world

Many places around the world are synonymous with their alcoholic beverage of choice — German beer, Kentucky bourbon, London dry gin. Now, many producers are adding hand sanitizer to their production line.

Iconic distilleries turn to hand sanitizer production around the world
People look at a visualization on a wall

Don't let your vote get stolen — 5 essential reads about disinformation in 2020

Who’s manipulating what you know before you vote?

Don't let your vote get stolen — 5 essential reads about disinformation in 2020
A film still of a man sitting at a dressing room mirror with lights

In 'The Humorist,' Soviet comedy is no joke

Michael Idov's new film, “The Humorist,” captures the oxymoronic nature of state-sanctioned Soviet comedy and the downfall of the system through the eyes of character, Boris Arkadiev.

In 'The Humorist,' Soviet comedy is no joke
A row of multi-colored woolen skirts

For these Latvian Americans, summer is for learning about their roots

A new academic year is kicking off around the world, but for some American teens, the end of summer brings a close to a different school experience — learning their immigration history and family language in heritage summer schools. 

For these Latvian Americans, summer is for learning about their roots
A Russian soldier stands in the foreground of citizens celebrating, waving flags

Autocracies that look like democracies are a threat across the globe

These other countries don’t look threatening. They look like democracies. But they’re not.

Autocracies that look like democracies are a threat across the globe
Russia's President Vladimir Putin, right, delivers a speech as 4 men and one woman sit in chairs on the stage

Countering Russian disinformation the Baltic nations’ way

European countries, especially the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have confronted Russian disinformation campaigns for decades. Their experience may offer useful lessons as the US joins the battle.

Countering Russian disinformation the Baltic nations’ way
Kalman Aron began sketching when he was 3 years old. He's now 93, and says if he didn't still paint and draw every day he would "die of boredom."

For over 90 years, this Holocaust survivor's art has kept him alive

At 93, Kalman Aron still paints everyday in his apartment in Beverly Hills. If he didn't paint, he says he would "die of boredom."

For over 90 years, this Holocaust survivor's art has kept him alive
NATO eFP battle group soldiers wait for NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visit the Tapa military base in Estonia.

Russian hackers may have a new target — NATO soldiers' smartphones

A campaign that Western military are linking to Russian hackers has targeted the contingent of 4,000 NATO troops deployed to Poland and the Baltic states this year, to protect the alliance’s European border with Russia.

Russian hackers may have a new target — NATO soldiers' smartphones
Lithuanian soldiers during military exercises in Rapina, Estonia.

Unease in the Baltics as US allies watch Trump praise Putin

Three US senators traveled to the Baltics to try to calm the jangled nerves of leaders worried that the US will abandon NATO.

Unease in the Baltics as US allies watch Trump praise Putin