Latvia Demolishes Soviet Memorial in Riga Amid Growing Tensions with Russia

Latvia has demolished a significant Soviet-era monument in Riga, marking the latest in a series of such demolitions across Eastern Europe. The 80-meter-high obelisk, erected in 1985, was intended to commemorate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. However, for many Latvians, it served as a painful reminder of the decades of oppressive Soviet occupation that ended with Latvia’s declaration of independence in 1991.

The demolition, which took place on August 25, was approved by Latvia’s parliament in May, following Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine. The monument’s removal elicited cheers and applause from onlookers as it fell into a nearby pond in downtown Riga. This action reflects the growing hostility toward Russia in the region, particularly among the Baltic states and Poland.

Latvia’s move is part of a broader trend in Eastern Europe, where several countries have been dismantling Soviet-era monuments. In Poland, workers recently began demolishing a Soviet war memorial, marking the 24th such monument to be brought down in the country since March. Estonia has also started removing a Soviet World War II monument near the Russian border.

The demolition has significant political implications, as it underscores the region’s resistance to Russian influence. Russian officials have historically reacted angrily to such actions, and in the past, have been linked to retaliatory measures such as cyberattacks and riots, as seen in Estonia in 2007.

In addition to the monument’s demolition, Latvia and other Nordic-Baltic countries have pledged to increase military aid to Ukraine and strengthen sanctions against Russia. The leaders of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden met near Stockholm to discuss these measures and express their commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.