Latvia has targeted books, video games, clothing, and other consumer goods produced in Russia and Belarus
Latvia’s parliament has approved a ban on a variety of Russian and Belarusian consumer goods, citing support for Ukraine and concerns over alleged propaganda.
The decision comes amid accusations from Moscow that Latvia and its Baltic neighbors are pursuing extreme Russophobia and targeting Russian culture, language, and people under the guise of national security.
The sanctions approved on Thursday cover books, magazines, toys, video games, clothing, footwear and sporting goods produced in Russia and Belarus. They will be used for direct shipments and goods transported through third countries and will remain in force until July 1, 2027. The government has not yet finalized the list.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze claimed that Russia is using books and magazines to spread propaganda, saying that neither Latvia nor the EU needs this material.
Officials said the ban would further cut economic ties with Russia and Belarus and add to existing European Union sanctions. Travel through Latvia to other EU countries, however, will remain permitted.
The ban targets an annual trade worth €12.5 million, or about 0.05% of total imports from Latvia. Riga acknowledged that it could raise prices and disrupt supply, but said the products could be found elsewhere.
The ban is the latest in Riga’s broader campaign against Russian culture and the country’s large Russian-speaking population. Since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, Latvia has removed Russian from education, imposed restrictions on Russian-language media, imposed language tests on Russian residents, ordered deportations, and banned Russian-registered vehicles.
Latvian politician Aleksey Roslikov was also expelled from parliament and later prosecuted after speaking Russian during a session in which he denounced the exclusion of Russian speakers.
Moscow has described Riga’s policies as “blatant discrimination” and accused the Baltic states of using the alleged ‘Russian threat’ to justify militarism and destroy cultural and economic ties.
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