Scientific article

UDK 355.40
pdf-version

Artem A. Burovsky
bachelor's degree, Saint Petersburg State University
(St. Petersburg, Russia),
burovsky.artiom@yandex.ru

Latvian Collaborators Through the Eyes of Soviet Naval Intelligence

Scientific adviser:
Kirill B. Nazarenko
Reviewer:
Sergej G. Verigin
Paper submitted on: 05/22/2025;
Accepted on: 06/29/2025;
Published online on: 06/29/2025.
 Abstract. The article examines previously unpublished sources obtained by Soviet intelligence regarding the formation of police battalions by the German occupation administration in Latvia. The findings indicate that the units staffed by collaborators were characterized by low reliability, primarily due to decisions made by the German command. The study highlights the unique aspects of the occupation regime in Latvia, which contributed to the establishment of these collaborationist formations. Many servicemen were dissatisfied with the conditions of service, so both the Soviet and German sides attempted to exploit this sentiment for their strategic advantage.
Keywords: Soviet intelligence, collaborationism, Latvian police battalions, Latvian Legion, occupation policy, card system, money maintenance

For citation: Burovsky, A. A. Latvian Collaborators Through the Eyes of Soviet Naval Intelligence. StudArctic forum. 2025, 10 (2): 10–21.

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