Latvian Interior Ministry sees no grounds to strip oligarch Aven's citizenship

European Union member states are required to agree by Tuesday on extending sanctions against more than 3,000 individuals connected to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The decision has been delayed due to objections from Slovakia, leaving the process unfinished.

Among those on the sanctions list is Pyotr Aven, who lives in Latvia. He was added to the list four years ago, when the European Union identified him as one of the oligarchs closest to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Citizenship status unchanged

Even as discussions on extending the sanctions continue, Aven's position regarding his Latvian citizenship currently appears stable. According to Latvian Television's programme "de facto," the Interior Ministry, even under new political leadership, sees no grounds for stripping Aven of his Latvian citizenship.

The question of Aven's citizenship has previously drawn public attention, given his inclusion on the EU sanctions list over his ties to Russia's ruling circles. However, the ministry's current position suggests that existing legal grounds are not sufficient for such a step at this time.