Andrey Starikov Economist, political analyst, expert at the Institute of European Studies Date of Birth: 31.10.1991 Country: Latvia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career Beginnings
3. Political Analyst and Expert
4. Baltnews Head
5. Criminal Case
6. Awards and Recognition
7. - "Amber Pen 2020" from the Russian Embassy in Latvia

Early Life and Education

Andrei Starikov was born on October 31, 1991, in Riga, Latvia. He graduated from the University of Latvia in 2013 and the Riga Technical University in 2015. In 2015, he began postgraduate studies at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.

Career Beginnings

Starikov began his professional career in Latvia, engaging in electoral campaigns, political consulting, economic expertise, and publicism. He also actively participated in the humanitarian activities of Russian state organizations, including the "Russian World" foundation, the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad, and "Rossotrudnichestvo."

Political Analyst and Expert

In 2015 and 2016, Starikov co-authored the monographs "The Russian Nation: Ethnic and Civilizational Challenges" and "Doctrine of the Russian World." The latter was mentioned in a criminal case against another co-author, Latvian human rights activist Alexander Gaponenko, who was persecuted by Latvian authorities for his rights and political activities. In 2015, Starikov began collaborating with the analytical publication RuBaltic.ru and became its deputy editor-in-chief in 2017. He is also an expert of the Izborsk Club and the Institute of European Studies (Latvia).

Baltnews Head

In May 2018, Andrei Starikov became the head of Baltnews, a project of the "Rossiya Segodnya" media group. Baltnews is known for its oppositional stance against the political leadership of the Baltic states and its critical position on the foreign and domestic policies of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.

Criminal Case

In December 2020, the Latvian State Security Service initiated a criminal prosecution against authors collaborating with Baltnews and Sputnik news agencies. Journalists' homes were searched, documents and equipment were seized, and travel bans were issued. In March 2021, upon the State Security Service's request, the funds in Starikov's Latvian bank account were frozen.

Latvian authorities justified their actions by claiming that journalists publishing on Baltnews and Sputnik allegedly violated the European Union's sanction regime. They referred to the EU's 2014 sanctions list, which included Dmitry Kiselyov, the general director of the "Rossiya Segodnya" media group. However, Starikov argued that this was an illegitimate interpretation and a violation of the journalists' rights.

Over ten journalists are currently facing criminal prosecution in Latvia, facing up to four years in prison. Russian officials have denounced the case as politically motivated pressure on undesirable journalists and an attack on freedom of speech.

Awards and Recognition

Starikov has received several awards and recognition for his work, including:

- "Amber Pen 2020" from the Russian Embassy in Latvia

- Commendation from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for professional coverage of international affairs

- "Solidarity" Award from the Union of Journalists of Russia for demonstrating civic courage and upholding freedom of speech