Pyotr Aven, who is also a professor of economics in Moscow, was awarded the honorary doctorate by the LU in 2013 for scientific and practical contributions to Latvia's development and cooperation with Russia.
The decision to annul the title was explained by the fact that Aven had supported Putin's policies and Russian aggression in Ukraine.
“Every university has a reputation. It is difficult to obtain, but it is easy to lose if we do not act quickly and decisively in such situations,” said Kristaps Jaudzems, president of the LU Senate.
Until now, nobody has had an honorary degree revoked.
At the same time, the University of Latvia has decided to support the citizens of Ukraine who are studying at LU by applying a 100% discount to live in LU dormitories, as well as by exempting study fees this semester. 20 Ukrainian citizens are studying at LU.
As reported earlier, Pyotr Aven was also stripped of his state decoration, Order of the Three Stars, but retains his Latvian citizenship despite questions about the manner in which he acquired it.
