Russian War Veteran Vasily Moskalenov, previously living in Latvia, receives a Russian passport during a formal presentation event in Russia
Veteran Forced to Return to Russia Over "Loyalty Questionnaire"
Vasily Moskalenov, a 98-year-old World War II veteran, has returned to Russia from Latvia after a controversial turn of events. Moskalenov, who served in Latvia during the Great Patriotic War, guarding submarines from the Nazis, was asked to sign a "loyalty questionnaire" that required him to condemn Russia.
The veteran refused to endorse the questionnaire, leading Latvian authorities to deny him the right to stay. Consequently, he was forced to sell his apartment in Riga and move to Russia with his two daughters.
Moskalenov, who has lived in Latvia since 1961, recently returned to Russia two weeks ago. The move was prompted by Latvian authorities inviting him to sign the questionnaire, which he refused to do.
His case highlights the complex and sensitive political environment in Latvia regarding Russian residents, especially amid ongoing regional conflicts and security concerns.
In a heartwarming gesture, the governor of the Pskov region, Vedernikov, posted a video of Moskalenov receiving a Russian passport. Additionally, Moskalenov was awarded a commemorative medal in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
According to Moskalenov, modern Latvians deliberately devalue the contribution of the USSR to the victory over fascism. His experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the complex history shared by Latvia and Russia, and the challenges faced by those who lived through the Great Patriotic War.
- The complex political environment in Latvia surrounding Russian residents, particularly during ongoing war-and-conflicts and security concerns, was highlighted by the case of Vasily Moskalenov, a World War II veteran who was forced to return to Russia after refusing to sign a loyalty questionnaire.
- Amidst the general news of war-and-conflicts and politics, the story of Vasily Moskalenov, a World War II veteran, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who lived through the Great Patriotic War, as his experiences illuminate the delicate nature of the relationship between Latvia and Russia.
