Lauge Risom Koch 
Russia says it may take Baltic countries to the UN’s top court over alleged discrimination against Russian-speaking populations amid growing tensions with NATO members.
Russia says it plans to appeal to the UN’s highest court over what it claims is discrimination against Russian-speaking populations in the Baltic countries.
The move comes amid worsening tensions between Moscow and NATO members bordering Russia following the war in Ukraine.
Moscow’s accusations
According to Digi24, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it may take Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to the UN International Court of Justice.
The ministry accused Baltic authorities of restricting the Russian language, “rewriting history” and carrying out what it described as policies of repression and intimidation.
“All attempts to resolve the differences through negotiations are proving fruitless,” a ministry representative told Izvestia.
“In this context, obviously, we will have to go to court by appealing to the main judicial body of the UN.”
International complaints
Russian officials said complaints had already been submitted to international organisations including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities.
According to Digi24, the Foreign Ministry described the legal effort as part of a broader campaign to defend the rights of Russians abroad.
Former UN Deputy Secretary-General Sergei Ordzhonikidze said the move appeared largely political and warned the process could take years.
He also noted that the International Court of Justice does not directly enforce its rulings.
Baltic tensions
Relations between Russia and the Baltic states have sharply deteriorated since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to Digi24, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia imposed restrictions on Russian citizens and began removing Soviet-era monuments after the war began.
Russian officials have repeatedly accused the Baltic governments of “Russophobia”, while Kremlin spokesperson Maria Zakharova has claimed Western countries are encouraging anti-Russian policies.
The Baltic states strongly support Ukraine and are among NATO’s most vocal critics of Moscow.
Military concerns
The dispute comes as Russia has expanded the legal powers allowing President Vladimir Putin to deploy military force abroad.
New legislation approved by Russia’s parliament permits the use of the armed forces to defend Russian citizens facing arrest or prosecution overseas.
Several NATO countries have warned in recent years that Russia may seek to destabilise parts of the Baltic region.
According to Digi24, Danish intelligence recently assessed that Russia could potentially be capable of launching a large-scale war in Europe within five years.
Sources: Digi24, Izvestia
