every seventh resident of Latvia is thinking about emigrating

The feeling of military threat in Latvia is growing. The study indicates that in the spring of 2022, 39.2% of respondents agreed that they feel safe amid military threats. However, in March of this year, only 32.8% of respondents agreed with this statement.

Even worse, every seventh (14.5%) resident of the country is considering moving to another country due to fears of a Russian attack on Latvia.

Almost fifteen percent of the population is confident that war between Russia and NATO will begin in the coming years. 11.5% of Latvian residents believe that a Russian attack on one of the Baltic countries is inevitable in the coming years.

At the same time, in more than two years since the start of the war, indifference has grown in Ukraine. This figure increased from 10% to 13.2%.

However, several indicators declined significantly. Half, or 51.5%, of those surveyed in March indicated that in recent weeks they had experienced fear for themselves, their loved ones and the future of the country, and 39.9% – helplessness. Two years ago, all these indicators were significantly higher. In the spring of 2022, 63.5% of respondents experienced fear for the future, and 59.1% felt helplessness.

A third of respondents (33-34.1%) have experienced disgust, anger, disappointment and sadness in recent weeks. Previously, 51.5% felt disgust, 46% felt angry, 44.2% felt disappointed, and 56.5% felt sad.

According to the survey, the fear of Latvian residents is also decreasing. A quarter, or 27.3%, of the population have experienced fear of nuclear war in recent weeks, while a fifth, or 21.1%, have feared a foreign military invasion of Latvia. Previously, 48.1% of respondents experienced fear of a nuclear war, and 46% feared a foreign military invasion.

20% of respondents experience constant anxiety and the inability to control anxiety.

National features of war assessment

The difference in views between Latvians and non-Latvians was investigated.

Thus, on the question of the necessary actions to end the war in Ukraine, significant differences are noticeable. Residents whose families speak Latvian are more likely than Russian-speaking residents to believe that Western countries should do more. While Russian-speaking residents more often agree that Ukraine and Russia should immediately begin peace negotiations and make compromises.

The biggest differences concern sanctions once morest Russia. 81% of Latvian speakers support stricter sanctions once morest Russia, compared with 18% of Russian speakers.

Compared to a study conducted in November 2023, the share of the population who expressed support for accepting refugees from Ukraine in Latvia increased by 8.1 percentage points. Last year it was 52%, and this year – 60.1%.

For reference: The study was conducted this year from March 13 to 15 by the Kantar company. The survey involved 1,000 respondents aged 18 to 75 years. The State Chancellery paid 3,110 euros for the survey, excluding VAT.