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Mikhail Alexandrov.

The absolute majority in both Latvia and Russia have enough common sense to understand that the Baltic countries are independent nations that are members of NATO and European Union, therefore to talk about their possible occupation by Russia would simply make no sense, believes Latvian Institute of International Affairs Director Andris Spruds.

Asked to comment on this opinion, Spruds tells LETA, it is "hard to comment nonsense". Spruds notes that this time he will agree with Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement, made some time ago, that those who do not regret the collapse of the Soviet Union have no heart, whereas those who believe that the Soviet Union can be restored have no brain.

Spruds explains that Alexandrov represents a little-known institute, therefore his "radical and illogical statements" may be meant to create publicity and make the institute more popular. This is not the first time Alexandrov makes awkward statements about similar matters.

"Some generals love preparing for wars that will never be waged," says Spruds, adding that the same goes for some political scientists. Replying to LETA's question whether Latvia should nevertheless pay attention to what Alexandrov is saying, Spruds notes that "it would be absolutely wrong to consider this to be any kind of signal from the Russian side."

"Unfortunately, the media like to make a mountain out of a molehill and look for something in places where there is nothing," adds Spruds.