Latvia Bans Russian Property Owners Near Key Sites

Latvia Tightens Entry Rules for Russian Property Owners

Latvia has banned Russian citizens who own real estate near strategically important sites from entering the country, citing national security concerns. The decision follows investigations by the Latvian State Security Service (VDD), which identified potential risks from Russian-owned properties near critical infrastructure.

Growing Restrictions on Russian Influence

As part of its efforts to limit Russian influence, Latvia has implemented several measures:

• Blacklisting Russian property owners near key sites
• Banning Russian-registered vehicles from entering the country
• Introducing mandatory Latvian language tests for Russians
• Proposing a ban on Russian and Belarusian property ownership

The Latvian government is also pushing for EU-wide restrictions, with Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis urging Schengen member states to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian nationals.

Baltic States' Stance on Russia

Latvia, along with fellow Baltic states Estonia and Lithuania, has adopted a hardline position against Moscow since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. These NATO members have warned of potential Russian aggression, though Moscow dismisses such claims as baseless.

Russian officials have condemned Latvia's measures as discriminatory, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accusing the country of Russophobia and threatening international legal action.