Russia Accuses Latvia, Estonia of Intimidating Voters at Embassies

Russia's Foreign Ministry has accused authorities in Latvia and Estonia of attempting to intimidate Russian citizens who wish to vote at Russian diplomatic missions in those countries, according to ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

Zakharova said police officers in both countries check and record the identity documents of anyone attempting to enter the Russian embassy compounds, according to TASS, the Russian state news agency that first reported her remarks.

According to Zakharova, this practice amounts to an attempt to discourage or intimidate Russian nationals living in Latvia and Estonia from exercising their right to vote in Russian elections.

The claims could not be independently verified. Authorities in Latvia and Estonia have not publicly responded to the allegations as of this report.

Relations between Russia and the Baltic states — Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania — have been tense for years, particularly since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. All three countries, which are members of NATO and the European Union, have taken measures restricting Russian diplomatic and consular activity on their territory, citing security concerns.

TASS did not provide additional detail on the specific elections referenced or when the alleged incidents occurred.