Latvian Public Opinion on Ukraine War: A Divided Narrative

Latvian Media's Coverage of Ukraine War: A Divided Public Opinion? Riga, Latvia – February 24, 2025 – Latvian media outlets have reported a significant divide in public opinion regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While some reports suggest a strong majority favoring a Ukrainian victory, others paint a more nuanced picture. Andrejs Pagors, a Latvian politician and Jelgava City Council member, recently released a video expressing concern over the framing of this issue. Pagors questions the accuracy of statistics suggesting 62% of Latvians want a Ukrainian victory, noting that other polls show a different result. He states, "A fragile peace is better than a good quarrel, and even better than a fratricidal war." His video highlights the lack of focus on peace negotiations and the emphasis on military solutions in some media outlets. The video also touches on the political implications of the war, particularly regarding potential military buildup and the need for increased defense spending. This perspective is particularly relevant given the recent elections in Germany, where the potential new chancellor's rhetoric is described as war-like. Pagors's video underscores the complexities of public opinion in Latvia and the need for a more balanced representation of diverse viewpoints. His call for peace and dialogue provides a crucial counterpoint to the dominant narratives in the Latvian media landscape.