Latvia closes Russian consulates general and expels their staff

RIGA - The Foreign Ministry on Tuesday decided to to revoke consent to the operations of the Russian Consulates General of in the Latvian cities of Daugavpils and Liepaja, thereby closing the two Russian consular missions. 

The diplomatic staff of those Consulates General are declared personae non grata in Latvia.

The decision has been taken in solidarity with Ukraine in its fight against the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and war started by Russia. 

The Foreign Ministry indicated that Latvia repeatedly and in the strongest possible terms condemns the aggression by Russia and its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

"The international community has received extensive reports of murder, atrocities and war crimes committed by Russian forces against peaceful civilians and of the Russian military deliberately targeting civilian property and infrastructure in the occupied regions of Ukraine," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia's illegitimate invasion and war crimes committed by its troops are in a clear violation of the international commitments and obligations of the Russian Federation. Those who have taken, implemented and upheld the decisions concerning military aggression and crimes in Ukraine must assume full responsibility, the ministry said. 

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Mikhail Vanin has been notified of Latvia's decision. The work of the Consulates General of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Latvia will not be permitted after the end of the day on April 20, 2022. The persons to be extradited are to leave the Republic of Latvia by that time, the ministry said.