Latvia introduces document checks for all visitors to Russian embassy

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced on Tuesday that starting Wednesday, July 1, the State Police will conduct document checks on all individuals visiting the Russian embassy in Riga. The decision was made in response to actions by Russian security services, which routinely check documents of visitors to foreign embassies in Moscow.

Braže stated that the Russian embassy in Riga has been officially informed of the new procedure. The measure applies to all visitors, including those arriving for visa applications or other consular matters.

This is not the only step Latvia has taken in response to Russian policies. The Foreign Ministry has drafted amendments to the law on support for Ukraine's civilian population, which would ban the import of certain industrial goods from Russia and Belarus. Additionally, in early June, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs tasked Braže with finding a solution to completely halt exports and imports with Russia, while allowing exceptions in specific sectors.

Separately, Latvia plans to remove all names of Russian and Belarusian settlements from road signs.