In response to the prevailing unstable conditions in Russia, Latvia has taken the decision to halt the issuance of visas to Russian nationals. Also, the country is set to bolster its border control measures in light of the aborted uprising of the controversial “Wagner” group in Russia and its leader’s supposed exile to neighboring Belarus.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia announced the visa restrictions through its official website.

Discussions held on June 24 between Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia shed light on the situation in Russia, specifically concerning an alleged coup d'état attempt led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the "Wagner" group.

While Prigozhin ceased his assault on Moscow, his relocation to Belarus has raised concerns and prompted coordinated actions among the Baltic countries. 

Advertisement

During a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, Edgars Rinkevičs, Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the movement towards Belarus poses a direct security challenge not only to Ukraine but also to EU member states, including Latvia.

The impediments faced by Russian citizens in obtaining EU visas have been evident since 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. As a result, Latvia, along with Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands, ceased accepting tourist visa applications from Russian nationals.

Exiles From Occupied Bakhmut Find Hope in Christmas Celebrations
Other Topics of Interest

Exiles From Occupied Bakhmut Find Hope in Christmas Celebrations

Ukraine’s army is on the backfoot in most parts of the front while Russia presses on with its advantage ahead of the inauguration next month of US president-elect Donald Trump.

 

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here
You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter