The issue can still be exploited for political purposes, but it is unlikely to rally long-lasting electoral support. The approaches of political elites to a large extent reflect public opinion. There is not consistent will to improve relations and to exercise pressure in order to reach goals that are not clearly defined. This is why the progress of 1997 was followed by the Russian-Latvian crisis of 1998 and then by stagnation in 1999. The policy is usually conducted by the Foreign Ministry in a routine manner with rare involvement by political leaders.
Economic elites connected with the Baltic states mostly pursue their business interests.
As mentioned before, their agenda can become political, but they are not interested in long-term political destabilization, if or once economic interests are ensured. A good illustration of this point is the case of the Mazeikiai oil refinery, which Lithuania sold to Williams, a US company. The decision was made on political grounds, since the buyer had no crude oil of its own. Under the new administration, Russian policy toward the Baltic states will most likely remain in its present paradigm, which over the long run keeps the relationship stable.