(MENAFN) Latvia has imposed restrictions on entry for Russian nationals who possess real estate close to locations deemed strategically vital within the country, citing concerns related to national security, based on a report by a local broadcaster on Monday.

The Latvian State Security Service (VDD) stated that investigations conducted by the agency uncovered threats connected to properties owned by Russians near key infrastructure points.

Consequently, “in several cases,” Russian property owners have been placed on a blacklist and barred from entering Latvia.

Latvian officials are actively working to reduce alleged Russian influence inside their territory.

As a former Soviet republic, similar to its Baltic neighbors Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia has adopted a more stringent approach toward Moscow since the conflict in Ukraine intensified in February 2022.

In response, Riga introduced comprehensive travel bans targeting Russian citizens, prohibited vehicles registered in Russia from crossing its borders, and established a compulsory Latvian language examination for Russians.

Thousands of those who declined or failed this test were deported.

Furthermore, Riga is advancing legislation aimed at preventing Russians from purchasing property.

The proposed bill, currently under parliamentary review, seeks to forbid Russian and Belarusian citizens, along with affiliated companies, from acquiring real estate in Latvia, citing risks to national security and attempts to bypass Western sanctions.

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