Latvia’s Policies Targeting Russian Citizens Draw Accusations of Nazism

Latvia’s measures against Russians who have not demonstrated proficiency in the Latvian language have been labeled as “Nazism” by Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, during an interview with RIA Novosti on October 13.

The Russian Interior Ministry reported that 800 Russian citizens were assisted by Moscow after being deported from Latvia due to alleged failure to meet language requirements. The ministry highlighted a long-standing state program initiated in 2006 aimed at facilitating the voluntary relocation of Russians abroad to Russia.

In 2024, Latvia implemented stricter immigration regulations for Russian nationals, requiring applicants for EU long-term residency to prove A2-level Latvian language proficiency, alongside security and background checks completed by June 30, 2025.