Latvia’s Foreign Ministry Reportedly Moves To Declare Russian Journalist Leonid Ragozin Persona Non Grata

TL;DR

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Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said the ministry had begun proceedings to declare “another Russian citizen” persona non grata. Delfi reported that the person is Russian journalist Leonid Ragozin, but the ministry has not publicly identified him or announced a final decision.

Latvia’s Foreign Ministry has begun proceedings to declare a Russian citizen persona non grata, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said, and Latvian outlet Delfi reported that the case concerns journalist Leonid Ragozin. The ministry has not publicly named the person or said that a final decision has been made, leaving Ragozin’s reported status unresolved.

Braže said the ministry’s action followed consultations with the interior minister and prime minister and was based on information from “the competent authorities.” Her statement, as reported by Meduza, did not identify the Russian citizen. The identification of Ragozin comes from Delfi’s reporting, rather than from a public announcement by the Foreign Ministry.

Ragozin has lived in Latvia since 2014, according to the report. His past work includes roles as a correspondent and producer for BBC Russia and editor of Russian Newsweek. He has also contributed to outlets including Al Jazeera, Lonely Planet, Jacobin and The American Conservative.

Latvia’s Internal Affairs Minister Jānis Dombrava had called on the Foreign Ministry to take action in September 2026. Dombrava said Ragozin’s statements “contradict the interests of the Latvian state.” He criticized the journalist’s arguments that sanctions against Russia were ineffective and that Western countries were responsible for obstructing a diplomatic settlement to Russia’s war against Ukraine. These are the minister’s characterizations of Ragozin’s views.

A Latvian Decision With Speech Implications

If the reported identification is correct and Latvia completes the process, the decision could affect Ragozin’s ability to remain in or enter Latvia. The source report does not specify the measure being considered or its legal consequences in this case, so the practical effect cannot yet be established.

The development also illustrates how Latvia’s security policy toward Russia intersects with public debate about the war, sanctions and Western diplomacy. Dombrava’s stated objections relate to Ragozin’s published views. The available reporting does not establish that the ministry has made a final finding, nor does it provide Ragozin’s response to the proposed action.

Latvia’s Recent Persona Non Grata Cases

Latvia has used persona non grata designations against Russian citizens since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Meduza reports that the Foreign Ministry added Russians to the list on four occasions that year, declaring 167 people undesirable. The report also notes actions involving Russian actors, musicians, cultural figures and television presenters, including Yekaterina Andreeva, Tina Kandelaki and Dmitry Gubernyev.

Another case involving a Russian journalist arose in 2022, when Latvia blacklisted Alexey Korostelev of the independent broadcaster TV Rain over comments about mobilized Russians. Latvia barred him from entering the country. TV Rain dismissed Korostelev after the controversy, and Latvia revoked the channel’s broadcast license; a court later overturned that license decision. That episode involved separate actions and does not establish what will happen in Ragozin’s case.

Identity and Final Decision Unconfirmed

The Foreign Ministry has not publicly confirmed that Ragozin is the person involved; that identification is attributed to Delfi. It is also not clear what formal steps have been taken, what legal grounds the authorities are relying on, or when the process might conclude. Braže’s statement indicates proceedings have started, not that a final designation has been issued.

The source reporting does not include a response from Ragozin or details about whether he has been formally notified. It remains unclear whether a decision, if made, would include an entry ban or other consequences, and whether it could be challenged. Those details should not be assumed from the past cases cited in the report.

Awaiting Latvia’s Formal Announcement

The next clear development would be a Foreign Ministry announcement confirming the person’s identity and stating whether the process has resulted in a formal designation. Any notice setting out the decision’s legal basis, effective date and consequences would help establish what it means for Ragozin.

Until then, the reported link to Ragozin remains attributed to Delfi, while the ministry’s public statement identifies only an unnamed Russian citizen. Further information from Latvian authorities or a response from Ragozin could clarify the case and its status.

Key Questions

Has Latvia officially named Leonid Ragozin?

No. Foreign Minister Baiba Braže referred publicly to “another Russian citizen” without naming the person. Delfi reported that the case concerns Ragozin.

Has Ragozin been declared persona non grata?

Not according to the information provided. Braže said the ministry had begun the process; the reporting does not confirm a completed decision.

Why did Latvia’s interior minister call for action?

Jānis Dombrava criticized views he attributed to Ragozin about sanctions against Russia and Western responsibility for impeding a diplomatic settlement to the war. Dombrava said the statements “contradict the interests of the Latvian state.”

What would a persona non grata designation mean for Ragozin?

The available report does not specify the legal consequences in this case. It is not yet clear whether a formal decision would restrict his residence, entry to Latvia or both, or what avenues of appeal would be available.

Source: rss