Latvia's parliament has approved a national ban on imports of a wide range of Russian and Belarusian consumer goods not already covered by European Union sanctions, in a move aimed at further reducing economic ties with Moscow and limiting the spread of Kremlin propaganda.
The amendments to Latvia's law on Support for the Civilian Population of Ukraine, passed on the same day the EU finalized its 21st sanctions package, prohibit the import of goods originating in Russia and Belarus that are not already subject to EU tariffs or trade restrictions. The restrictions also apply to goods imported via third countries if their country of origin is Russia or Belarus.
“To ensure the security of Latvian society… and to provide general support to Ukrainian society, the importation of certain industrial goods into the Republic of Latvia from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus is prohibited,” the amended law states.
Targeting propaganda and disinformation
The ban covers products that lawmakers say can be used to spread propaganda and disinformation, including books, newspapers, and video games, as well as sporting goods, toys, clothing, and footwear. This appears to be one of the first national bans in the EU on a broad range of Russian and Belarusian consumer goods beyond the bloc's sanctions regime.
“These amendments are the latest tool to systematically reduce economic ties with Russia and Belarus while maintaining our unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence,” said Raimonds Bergmanis, Chairman of the Defense, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee responsible for the bill in the Latvian Parliament.
Imports of the newly targeted goods from Russia and Belarus totaled €12.5 million in 2025, accounting for 6.5% of Latvia's remaining imports from the two countries and just 0.05% of Latvia's total imports.
The proposal was drafted by Latvia's Foreign Ministry and fast-tracked through parliament as part of the government's broader effort to eliminate remaining trade links with Russia. Latvia has already significantly reduced economic ties with Russia, but Minister of Economy Viktors Valainis said at the end of May that “our goal should be a complete policy of refusal with regard to the goods of the aggressor state.”
The final list of products covered by the ban will be adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers. The law will enter into force the day after it is promulgated, with the import restrictions set to remain in place until 1 July 2027.
This move comes amid heightened tensions between Riga and Moscow, with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa warning that Putin is intensifying hybrid warfare against Latvia as Ukraine's losses mount. The ban also follows a Russian strike that damaged Latvia's consulate in Sloviansk, killing six civilians.
By cutting off imports of books, newspapers, and video games, Latvia aims to stem the flow of propaganda that Moscow has long used to influence public opinion in the Baltics. The ban on clothing, toys, and sporting goods further reduces economic dependence on Russia and Belarus, aligning with the EU's broader sanctions strategy.
