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September 18, 2026

Latvia: Kremlin influence allegations shake politics — FrontPages.eu, September 18, 2026

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Friday, September 18, 2026

🕵️ Influence

New allegations of Kremlin influence have surfaced, focusing on political candidate Yulia Fedotova-Stepanienco, who is reported to have received substantial funds from her deceased Russian father. This development adds a new dimension to ongoing concerns about foreign interference in the political landscape. The national airline airBaltic continues to grapple with financial challenges, with reports indicating potential state losses of €600 million. The airline is utilizing a portion of a €140 million financing tranche for aircraft and engine buybacks, while Ryanair has publicly urged an end to state funding for airBaltic. Separately, a private individual successfully sued the Health Inspection and Ministry of Health for €142,290, highlighting issues within the healthcare system. In other domestic news, political discussions are intensifying ahead of upcoming elections, including an interview with Minister for Education and Science Ilze Indriksone, the National Alliance's prime ministerial candidate, on potential coalition dynamics. Cultural and economic topics also featured, with director Viesturs Kairišs discussing Latvian culture, updates on the restoration of Jelgava Castle's ducal tombs, and a reported decrease in demand for wood pellets. International stories covered include Donald Trump's potential business deals with Moscow and OpenAI's artificial intelligence advancements.

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Allegations have emerged concerning political candidate Yulia Fedotova-Stepanienco, who is reported to have received nearly €240,000 and an apartment from her deceased Russian father, raising questions about potential Kremlin influence in domestic politics.

Pietiek: Lato Lapsa: On exposed Kremlin pressure and Putin's agent Yulia…

This story by Lato Lapsa alleges that a political candidate, Yulia Fedotova-Stepanienco, received nearly 240,000 euros and an apartment from her deceased Russian father, suggesting Kremlin influence.

The national airline airBaltic continues to face financial difficulties, with reports suggesting Latvia has definitively lost €600 million. The airline plans to use a portion of a €140 million financing tranche to buy back aircraft and engines. International competitor Ryanair has also called for an end to state funding for airBaltic's decline.

TVNET: "airBaltic" to partially use first 140 million euro financing tranche for…

Latvian airline "airBaltic" will use a portion of its 140 million euro financing to buy back aircraft and engines.

Pietiek: AirBaltic: Latvia has definitely lost 600 million, the rest is still unclear.

This article discusses the financial troubles of airBaltic, citing a US court review of its debt and an uncertain financial future for the airline, which is significant for Latvia.

Delfi: Ryanair Enters Competition Fights, Urging to Stop Funding airBaltic's Decline

Ryanair is engaging in competitive actions, calling for an end to the financial support of airBaltic's struggling business.

As elections draw closer, political discourse is intensifying. Minister for Education and Science Ilze Indriksone, the National Alliance's prime ministerial candidate, discussed coalition prospects and party goals in an interview. Calls to 'Save the Saeima' and discussions on youth voter engagement also highlight the dynamic political environment.

IR: Prime Minister Candidate Interviews. Indriksone on NA's Main Goal, Coalition…

National Alliance's prime ministerial candidate Ilze Indriksone discusses the coalition with Šlesers, attitudes towards the Istanbul Convention, and proposals for public media governance.

IR: Save the Saeima!

A call to action regarding the Latvian parliament, urging its preservation.

IR: Don't Step on a Rake! Is it Easy to Vote Young?

Ahead of the 15th Saeima elections, Ir discusses what concerns young people and what kind of future government they desire, engaging with supporters of popular parties and undecided voters.

A private individual has won a significant court case, being awarded €142,290, with the Health Inspection and Ministry of Health incurring losses from the ruling.

Pietiek: Private individual wins court case for €142,290: Health Inspection and…

A significant court ruling in Latvia awards a private individual €142,290, with the Health Inspection and Ministry of Health incurring losses.

An association has reported a decrease in demand for wood pellets in both Latvia's export and domestic markets, indicating a shift in this economic sector.

TVNET: Association: Demand for pellets begins to decrease in both export and domestic…

An association reports that the demand for wood pellets is declining in both export and domestic markets in Latvia.

Cultural discussions include director Viesturs Kairišs's insights on his film 'Ula,' Latgale, and the power of Latvian culture. The unique, decades-long restoration of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia's tombs in Jelgava Castle is also highlighted, alongside writer Roalds Dobrovenskis's candid reflections on his experience with dementia.

IR: 'Ula in each of us.' Kairišs on the film, Latgale, and the power of culture in…

Director Viesturs Kairišs discusses the film Ula, Latgale, and the significance of Latvian culture during times of societal and political chaos.

IR: Jelgava Castle Secrets – Heritage of the Dukes' Tombs

The tombs of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia in Jelgava Castle are unique in a European context. Their restoration has taken over 30 years and the work of several generations of masters.

IR: Writer Roalds Dobrovenskis Accurately Dated His Dementia Experience

Writer Roalds Dobrovenskis (90) humorously discussed his remaining time on earth at his jubilee evening, speaking clearly and profoundly about his experience with dementia.

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