Foreign Ministry urges Latvian residents not to assist Russia's efforts to legitimize the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories with their presence

RIGA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs draws attention to the fact that the Russian presidential “elections” due to be held between March 15 and 17 will also be organised illegitimately in the Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied and annexed by Russia.

Russia will specifically attempt to attract foreign observers and media by seeking, through their participation, to legitimize both this “election” and the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories, the ministry told LETA.

The ministry points out that Latvia neither recognizes, nor will it recognize the illegal occupation and annexation of Ukrainian territories by the aggressor. Latvia will also not recognize the organisation and results of Russia's “elections” in the temporarily occupied and annexed territories of Ukraine. Russia has no legitimate basis for such action in the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly urges Latvian nationals to avoid all travel to Russia or the temporarily occupied and annexed territories of Ukraine in connection with the “election” of the Russian President.

''We would like to draw attention to the extension of martial law in Ukraine until May 13, 2024. Under the applicable Ukrainian laws and regulations, entry into the Ukrainian administrative territory illegally annexed by Russia shall be permitted only in accordance with procedures laid down in laws, upon receipt of a special permission from the Ukrainian authorities. We recall that there are serious threats to the safety and health of persons in the areas of active hostilities. Therefore, in view of the above, we firmly advise against all travel to the war zone or to the temporarily occupied and annexed territories of Ukraine,'' the ministry points out.