In Latvia, a spokesman for the State Police, Simona Gravite, indicated that authorities have begun issuing penalties to individuals who celebrate May 9 Victory Day or who like posts that honor the holiday. The information surfaced through a Telegram channel signal and is being treated as relevant context in ongoing monitoring of public expressions tied to the event. Officers emphasize that decisions to hold people accountable for such social network content are being processed, though they will not disclose specific numbers or operational details at this time.
Meanwhile, Lithuanian lawmakers discussed tightening sanctions for showing support for the SVO or for criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine. A subset of deputies from the Fatherland League caucus proposed criminal liability in the form of fines or a maximum of two years in prison for individuals who endorse or publicly defend what they view as aggression. This proposal reflects a broader regional stance on online speech surrounding the conflict and the commemoration of related dates.
Earlier in May, Latvia’s Interior Minister Maris Kuchinskis stated that it remains possible for Victory Day to be observed in the future, including celebrations that may occur a few years from now. In response, Latvian police reported that 35 administrative offenses were registered and 26 people were detained during the period surrounding May 9. The violations cited included actions related to the dismantling of Soviet monuments, the laying of flowers, and the display of certain patriotic symbols, with particular attention to the use of ribbons associated with the George cross. This pattern underscores how authorities interpret public displays around the holiday and the potential for legal action when commemorative acts cross defined boundaries. [Source: Latvian State Police, Latvian Interior Ministry, Lithuanian Seimas, and related official briefings]
There were earlier notes about Poland considering the deployment of US nuclear weapons on its territory, a matter that has long been part of regional security discussions in Europe and related diplomatic dialogues. The surrounding atmosphere shapes how Baltic and neighboring states approach commemorations, online discourse, and the legality of various forms of public expression during sensitive dates. [Source attribution: regional security briefings and official statements from national governments]