Russia has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia of discriminating against Russian-speaking minorities, a move immediately dismissed by the Baltic states as part of Moscow’s ongoing disinformation campaign.
According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, cited by state-affiliated media, the Baltic countries have refused to end policies that allegedly target ethnic Russians, including “banning the Russian language, rewriting history, and persecuting dissidents.”
The ICJ is expected to accept the complaint, but legal experts say proceedings could take years and the chances of success for Russia are slim.
Baltic States Reject Moscow’s Claims
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania responded sharply, describing the move as another attempt by Russia to divert attention from its war in Ukraine and undermine support for Kyiv. Estonia’s Foreign Ministry called it “nothing new” and part of a “continuous pattern of behavior.”
“This slander is being spread in order to divert attention from Russia’s own violations, such as the current brutal attacks against Ukrainian civilian targets,” the ministry said.
Latvia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the accusations “a dance of smoke and mirrors” and one of Russia’s oldest tactics.
“Russia flagrantly disrespects and violates international law to further its own aggressive foreign policy,” said Diana Eglite, press secretary at the Latvian Foreign Ministry.
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Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry described the claims as “entirely unfounded” and part of a broader “campaign of lies and disinformation” aimed at discrediting the Baltic states for their strong support of Ukraine.
Background and Previous Attempts
Roughly one-third of the populations in Estonia and Latvia are native Russian speakers, while Lithuania has a smaller community. The Baltic governments have stepped up integration efforts in recent years, including reducing Russian-language education and tightening rules on Russian-linked organizations – measures accelerated after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
This is not Russia’s first attempt to raise the issue internationally. Moscow has previously filed complaints with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, but neither produced meaningful results, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Former UN Deputy Secretary-General Sergey Ordzhonikidze told Russian media that while the ICJ would likely accept the case, it could drag on for years. Vladimir Shapovalov of Moscow Pedagogical State University added that the odds of success are low.
Rising Tensions in the Region
The latest legal threat comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the three NATO-member Baltic states. Moscow has accused the Baltics of aiding Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory, claims dismissed by European governments as disinformation.
Russia has repeatedly used the alleged protection of Russian speakers abroad as a pretext for interference, a narrative analysts say is designed to sow division and justify aggression. The Baltic governments insist they fully respect minority rights while prioritizing national security and societal integration.