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Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said the ministry had begun a process to declare another Russian citizen persona non grata, following consultations with senior officials. Delfi reported that the person is journalist Leonid Ragozin, but the ministry did not name him in the statement cited by Meduza.
Latvia’s Foreign Ministry has begun a process to declare another Russian citizen persona non grata, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said, while Latvian outlet Delfi reported that the case concerns journalist Leonid Ragozin. Braže did not identify the person in the statement reported by Meduza, so Ragozin’s inclusion has not been confirmed publicly by the ministry in the available account.
Braže said the move followed consultations with Internal Affairs Minister Jānis Dombrava and the prime minister. She said it was based on information from “the competent authorities.” The ministry’s statement, as reported by Meduza, referred only to “another Russian citizen”; the identification of Ragozin came from Delfi’s reporting.
Ragozin has lived in Latvia since 2014. His previous work includes reporting and producing for BBC Russia and editing the magazine Russian Newsweek. He has also written for outlets including Al Jazeera, Lonely Planet, Jacobin, and The American Conservative, according to the source report.
In September, Dombrava said Ragozin’s statements “contradict the interests of the Latvian state” and called on the Foreign Ministry to designate him persona non grata. He cited Ragozin’s arguments that sanctions against Russia were ineffective and that Western countries bore responsibility for obstructing a diplomatic settlement to the war in Ukraine. Those are the minister’s characterizations of Ragozin’s views; the available report does not include a response from Ragozin.
A Possible New Entry Ban
If the reported case does concern Ragozin and the process results in a designation, he could face restrictions on entering Latvia. The available account does not specify the legal consequences in this case or say whether any decision has been finalized. For Ragozin, who has lived in the country for more than a decade, the reported move could affect his ability to remain there or return if he leaves, depending on the terms of any eventual action.
The case also reflects how Latvia’s national-security policy can intersect with public debate about Russia’s war and sanctions. Dombrava has argued that Ragozin’s positions conflict with Latvian state interests. Whether authorities will make their reasoning public beyond the general reference to information from competent authorities remains unclear.
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Latvia’s Recent Designations
Latvia has previously used persona non grata designations against Russian citizens since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Meduza reported that, in 2022, the Foreign Ministry added Russian citizens to the list on four occasions, naming a total of 167 people as undesirable persons. The source does not provide a comparable total for later years.
Among Russians previously barred from Latvia were television hosts Yekaterina Andreeva, Tina Kandelaki, and Dmitry Gubernyev, according to Meduza. In another 2022 case, Latvia blacklisted TV Rain journalist Alexey Korostelev over comments about mobilized Russians. Latvia later revoked TV Rain’s broadcast license; a court overturned that decision, the report said. Korostelev’s case involved a separate set of circumstances and does not establish what action, if any, will be taken against Ragozin.
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Identity and Decision Still Pending
The Foreign Ministry has not named the Russian citizen in the statement described by Meduza. Delfi identified Ragozin, but the available report does not include an official confirmation tying him to the ministry’s announcement. It is also unclear what information the competent authorities provided, what legal grounds would be cited, or whether a final order has been issued.
The reporting does not include a comment from Ragozin or details about any deadline, appeal process, or effect on his residence status. Those points should not be treated as settled before the ministry publishes further information or confirms the identity of the person concerned.
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Awaiting Latvia’s Formal Notice
The next key development would be a formal statement from the Foreign Ministry naming the person and clarifying whether the process has resulted in a designation. If Latvia confirms Ragozin is affected, details about the decision’s legal basis, timing, and practical effect would help establish what restrictions apply and whether they can be challenged.
Until then, the confirmed information is limited to Braže’s statement that a process has begun against an unnamed Russian citizen. Ragozin’s identification remains attributed to Delfi, and the outcome has not been reported as final.
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Key Questions
Has Latvia confirmed that Leonid Ragozin is the person involved?
Not in the statement cited by Meduza. Foreign Minister Baiba Braže referred to an unnamed Russian citizen. Delfi reported that the case concerns Ragozin.
What does persona non grata mean in this report?
It is a designation Latvia has used against people it considers undesirable in the country. The available report does not spell out the specific restrictions or legal terms that would apply to Ragozin if he is designated.
Why did Jānis Dombrava call for action against Ragozin?
Dombrava said Ragozin’s statements contradicted Latvian state interests. He cited Ragozin’s reported criticism of sanctions against Russia and claims about the West’s role in the war and diplomatic efforts.
Has Latvia made a final decision?
The foreign minister said a process had begun. The available reporting does not establish that a final designation has been issued.
Source: rss
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