Latvian singer Laima Vaikule said she is ready to take up an automatic rifle and fight if a conflict breaks out between Russia and Latvia. She made the statement during an interview with Deutsche Welle, which is recognized in Russia as a foreign agent media outlet. Vaikule later emphasized that she hopes events develop peacefully.
When journalists asked Vaikule what she would do if Russia attacks Latvia, the singer responded that she would take an automatic rifle. She added that she still hopes to avoid such a scenario, describing herself as an optimist who is always that way.
Russian Reaction to Vaikule Remarks
Her comments drew sharp criticism from Russian politicians and music producer Iosif Prigozhin. Speaking to Lenta.ru, Prigozhin said he was surprised by her statement because Vaikule had always been apolitical. He added that she is a beautiful woman and a role model who looks gorgeous, but was talking nonsense, adding that he does not know why she made the comments.
Prigozhin stated his conviction that most people are not interested in armed conflicts. He also noted that Vaikule represents Latvia today, even though she gained wide fame in the Soviet Union.
State Duma deputy Aleksandr Tolmachev also criticized the singer, calling her words telling. He said some cultural figures begin making sharper political statements after leaving Russia. Tolmachev remarked that while they were in Russia, their songs were about love and happiness, but after leaving, fangs came out and animal grins appeared, adding that breaking ties with the homeland acts destructively.
Jurmala Mansion Listed for Sale
Following her remarks, new details emerged regarding the sale of Vaikule property in Jurmala. Telegram channel Mash reported that the mansion has been on the market since the early 2010s. The property was originally valued at 5 million euros before being reduced to 4.8 million euros. Mash claimed negotiators could bring the price down to about 4 million euros, with an additional discount available for an urgent sale.
According to Mash, one condition of the sale is that the buyer must not hold Russian citizenship, including dual citizenship. Russian-speaking clients could still be considered under different financial terms. The house spans roughly 500 square meters and features a swimming pool, a panoramic hall, and landscaped grounds.
Summer Music Festival in Latvia
At the end of July, Vaikule hosted her annual music festival, Laima Rendezvous Jurmala, in Jurmala. Pop singer Alla Pugacheva and her husband, comedian Maxim Galkin, who is recognized by the Russian Ministry of Justice as a foreign agent, attended the event and were photographed together before concerts began.
The festival lineup included performers Monetochka, Noize MC, Andrei Makarevich, and Semyon Slepakov, all of whom are recognized as foreign agents by the Russian Ministry of Justice. Vaikule previously stated that she maintains a close friendship with Pugacheva and her family, spending time walking and doing sports together.
The festival also featured a performance by Ukrainian duo Potap and Nastya, who took the stage together for the first time in several years. Telegram channel Shot reported that their decision to perform songs in Russian caused mixed reactions among some Ukrainian social media users.
