Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže initiated formal proceedings on October 6, 2026, to declare Russian journalist Leonid Ragozin a persona non grata, according to reports by European Truth. The move follows political pressure regarding the reporter’s public commentary on Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Interior Minister Urges Restrictions on Ragozin
The diplomatic step follows a public appeal made on September 30 by Interior Minister Janis Dombrava, who urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to restrict Ragozin from the country.
Dombrava asserted that Ragozin, a Russian citizen who has lived in Latvia, routinely publishes opinions that directly contradict national security interests. The minister specifically accused the journalist of shifting blame for Russian aggression onto the West, criticizing sanctions against Russia, and justifying the Kremlin’s foreign policy. Dombrava stated that Ragozin discredits Ukraine, its political leadership, and its armed forces, adding that the opinions he expressed often coincided with statements aimed at weakening Western support for Ukraine
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Concurrently, Edmunds Jurevics, leader of the New Unity faction in the Saeima, formally contacted the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) to request the revocation of Ragozin’s permanent residence permit. The State Security Service (VDD) has also been informed of the proceedings, RUS TVNET reported.
Braže announced the move on the social media platform X on Tuesday, stating: Based on the information received today from the competent authorities, and following discussions with the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Interior, I have decided to initiate the procedure for including another Russian citizen in the Latvian list of persons declared persona non grata.
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Ragozin Writes for Western and Russian Outlets
Ragozin is a journalist who has contributed to various Western and Russian media outlets over several decades. His career includes an eight-year tenure with the BBC Russian Service, roles as a correspondent and international editor at Russian Newsweek, and columns for publications such as Politico, The Guardian, Kyiv Post, The Moscow Times, and Al Jazeera, as detailed by The Insider.
In his recent columns for Al Jazeera, Ragozin argued that European allies and Ukrainian leadership face stark compromises ahead of winter, writing that negotiated settlements remain the only exit from a national catastrophe. Latvian authorities argue that these viewpoints align with official Russian state narratives designed to undermine Western military and financial backing for Ukraine.
Latvian Authorities Begin Legal Review Process
The announcement marks only the beginning of the legal and administrative procedure rather than an immediate expulsion. Designating an individual as a persona non grata or revoking a residence permit requires adherence to specific immigration statutes enforced by Latvian migration authorities. Officials have not yet announced a definitive timeline for when the review process will conclude or what specific travel and residency restrictions will apply if the designation is finalized.
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