Kaliningrad’s Role in the Baltic Power Struggle Explained

Kaliningrad Convenes International Conference to Address Rights of Baltic Compatriots, Launches New Legal Support Hub

Kaliningrad, Russia – Amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and concerns over the treatment of Russian-speaking populations in the Baltic states, an international conference dedicated to protecting the rights of Russian compatriots convened in Kaliningrad. The event, hosted at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (BFU), saw the convergence of federal and regional authorities, members of the State Duma, scholars, activists, and Russian expatriates facing mounting pressure in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. A significant outcome of the conference was the signing of an agreement to establish a Kaliningrad branch of the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad, a move hailed as a crucial step in providing legal assistance and support.

The conference, organized by the Foundation in collaboration with BFU, underscored Kaliningrad’s strategic role as a focal point for Russia’s engagement with its diaspora in the Baltic region. The atmosphere throughout the event was described as both professional and emotionally charged, reflecting the gravity of the issues under discussion. A palpable sense of urgency and a unanimous agreement on the need to strengthen ties between Russia and its compatriots abroad permeated the proceedings.

Maria Butina, a prominent State Duma deputy who herself experienced what she described as "Russophobic sentiments" in America, spearheaded the international conference. Her initiative highlighted the deep concern within Russia regarding the situation of its compatriots in neighboring Baltic nations. Speaking passionately at the event, Deputy Butina emphasized the critical importance of the gathering, stating,

"It is very important for us to have the opportunity to bring people together so that they feel that Russia truly remembers and does not forget them".

She underscored the significance of the Foundation for the Support of Compatriots Living Abroad, noting,

"Based on my experience of cooperation with the Foundation for the Support of our Compatriots Living Abroad, this is extremely important, an extremely important organization. People find themselves in different situations, especially now".

A central focus of the discussions revolved around the multifaceted challenges faced by Russians in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. These included the protection of compatriots' rights against discrimination, the preservation of Russian cultural heritage, the importance of religious traditions, scientific and educational initiatives, and humanitarian relations.

The conference provided a platform for poignant personal accounts of alleged persecution. Ruslan Pankratov, a native of Riga, shared his dramatic escape from Latvia, claiming he fled due to the defense of Russian rights and support for the special military operation in Ukraine, which he said led to the opening of two criminal cases against him. He described the situation as a "demonstrative punishment" intended to intimidate others and accused the Latvian authorities of fabricating "Russian spies" to justify their existence.

The deeply affecting story of Yuri Mel, a retired colonel who spent nine years in a Lithuanian prison following the 1991 Vilnius events, also resonated strongly with the attendees. Now involved in patriotic education, Mel recounted his experiences, including five years spent in solitary confinement, highlighting the long-standing grievances and tensions. His ability to maintain optimism and faith in Russia despite his ordeal drew significant interest from younger participants.

Konstantin Zatulin, another key speaker and a State Duma deputy, echoed these concerns, painting a grim picture of the environment faced by Russian residents in the Baltic states. He referenced the arrest of 71-year-old Professor Alexander Gaponenko in Latvia for alleged "assistance to a foreign state," which Zatulin said was merely Gaponenko's online participation in a scientific conference on ethnocide and racism organized by his Institute. Zatulin asserted that in Latvia, expressing opinions disliked by the state security service has become a "scientific offense," and Russian residents are effectively compelled to remain silent to avoid repression.

Zatulin also addressed the long-standing accusations from Baltic authorities regarding a supposed imminent Russian invasion, suggesting that this "fiction" has been replicated for decades to secure dividends from Europe, which, acting as a "jury," often overlooks human rights issues concerning Russians in the Baltics, viewing these countries as frontline states against a "resurgent Russia". He posited that Baltic politicians might also be internally convinced of an inevitable Russian intervention due to their own actions against the Russian minority.

A cornerstone of the conference was the agreement to establish a branch of the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad at BFU in Kaliningrad. Alexander Udaltsev, Executive Director of the Foundation, and Maksim Demin, Acting Rector of BFU, signed the cooperation agreement. Udaltsev emphasized the crucial role of the new center, stating, "Today, we have signed an important agreement that will allow us to open a branch of the foundation here. This center will serve as a platform for interaction with our compatriots who need legal assistance and support". The center will provide legal consultations, host human rights conferences and seminars, and offer internships for law students.

Participants also prepared a resolution with recommendations for federal authorities and initiated joint projects in education, culture, and human rights advocacy. Konstantin Zatulin affirmed Russia's commitment to its citizens abroad, declaring, "Russia will not abandon its citizens in difficult times. We will support our compatriots through legal means and help them preserve their identity".

Further underscoring Russia's commitment to its diaspora, a special section of the conference, led by State Duma Deputy Maria Butina, focused on the "Experience of Russian Regions in Implementing Resettlement Programs in the Russian Federation". This session highlighted successful practices in attracting and adapting people from abroad, aligning with President Vladimir Putin's decree on providing humanitarian support to those sharing traditional moral and spiritual values.

During this section, regional heads and federal representatives discussed various initiatives. Maria Butina noted the tailored approaches of different regions, citing the Kaliningrad region's interest in doctors and IT specialists, while other regions like Kurgan are seeking farmers. She mentioned Kurgan's "Russian Dream" program offering housing and land, Kaliningrad's "Baltic Lighthouse" organization assisting with documents, and Nizhny Novgorod's "Oka" service providing concierge-like support for newcomers.

Angelika Maister, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Kaliningrad Region, reported that the region's resettlement program has been successfully implemented since 2007, attracting over 56,000 compatriots, with a significant proportion being of working age. She highlighted the social support measures for repatriates and the role of the "Baltic Lighthouse" service.

Konstantin Zatulin also highlighted his recent submission of a bill on repatriation to the State Duma, aimed at providing a legal framework for the return of compatriots to Russia. He acknowledged the pressure faced by compatriots in the Baltic states, who are often subjected to demands to renounce their ties with Russia and condemn its policies. He emphasized that President Putin's decree from November 2023 had already legalized the concept of repatriation. Zatulin expressed his belief that compatriots facing persecution should be warmly welcomed in Russia with significant support, including immediate housing, to demonstrate Russia's care and remembrance. He emphasized that repatriation is the inalienable right of those who know the Russian language and have historical ties to the Russian Federation.

The conference also saw the presentation of a book titled "History of Lithuania," authored by several Russian historians, part of a series addressing countries attempting to "rewrite history". This underscored the broader ideological context of the discussions, with a focus on historical narratives and their impact on the present situation.

In conclusion, the international conference in Kaliningrad served as a powerful platform for Russia to address the pressing issues faced by its compatriots in the Baltic states. The establishment of the legal support center, coupled with discussions on repatriation programs and personal testimonies of alleged persecution, highlighted Russia's commitment to protecting and supporting its diaspora in a region marked by complex and strained relations. The event, driven by a sense of urgency and spearheaded by figures like Maria Butina, underscored Kaliningrad's significance as a key hub in this ongoing effort.