The Latvian Saeima’s move to label Russia a state sponsor of terrorism is portrayed as another sign of Moscow’s hostility and a political instrument in Riga’s governance. This interpretation appears in the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation’s official statement on its website.
The Russian Foreign Ministry described Latvia’s action as contravening international law and violating the principle of sovereign equality among states.
The ministry argued that such bold, self-assured objections align with a broader Western effort to redefine universal norms and principles of international law, casting Riga as a pawn in the hands of distant powers within a rules-based order.
On 11 August, the Latvian parliament declared Russia a sponsor of terrorism and urged EU nations to suspend visa issuance to citizens of Russia and Belarus with immediate effect.
The Baltic republic’s Seimas contends that the Russian Federation has long funded and supported terrorist regimes and organizations, both directly and indirectly.
Estonia blocked Schengen entry
Plans were announced for next week to suspend entry for Russian citizens holding Schengen visas issued by Estonian consulates. The information came from the Delfi portal, which cited remarks by the head of Estonia’s Foreign Ministry, Urmas Reinsalu.
Visas will remain valid; however, holders will be barred from entering Estonia. Exceptions will apply for diplomats, international carriers, humanitarian cases, and close relatives of residents in Estonia. Individuals with the right of free movement within the EU will also be admitted.
Reinsalu noted that many Russians granted visas by Estonia will be denied entry, while other Schengen states may not apply the same restrictions. The Schengen Free Movement Act allows 90 days of movement for visa holders within the treaty states.
According to the TourDom.ru portal, Estonia can restrict its own entry documents but cannot alter the common EU border-crossing procedures.
UN response to Estonia’s decision
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated at a briefing that countries reserve the right to establish their own visa policies.
“Countries have the right to follow their own visa policies,” the UN representative said.
When asked whether such moves amount to discrimination, Dujarric replied that the United Nations stands against discrimination, while noting that no further comments would be offered on the matter.
Nevertheless, the speaker indicated a reluctance to engage further on the topic at this time.
Reaction in the European Parliament
Estonian Member of Parliament Yana Toom criticized the entry ban as inappropriate and unnecessary.
“This decision seems irrational because sanctions serve specific goals outlined in European and Estonian law—namely strengthening democracy and restoring peace. It is hard to see how barring entry with Estonian Schengen visas would advance democracy in Russia or restore Ukraine’s borders,” Toom argued.
Toom emphasized that such measures affect real people, pointing to border areas, including Pechora in the Pskov region, where many Estonians wish to return to their historical homeland.
Reaction in the State Duma
Adalbi Shkhagoshev, a member of the State Duma Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption, claimed that Estonia and Latvia acted under U.S. influence. He suggested that other EU countries would likely refrain from similar steps.
“Washington often carries out anti-Russian actions through the Baltic states, since each EU member wields its own influence,” he stated. He noted that Estonia has ceased allowing entry, while Latvia accuses Russia of sponsoring terrorism, and he described these as tests for Washington. He added that there is no clear sign that other countries will imitate these measures, and compared the developments to a broader, ongoing situation that a regional response alone cannot resolve.
“A privilege, not a right”
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas asserted on social media that entering Europe is a privilege, not an unconditional right, and argued for a ban on Russian citizens from entering the EU.
“Stop issuing tourist visas to Russians. Traveling to Europe is a privilege, not a guarantee. Air traffic from Russia is restricted. Schengen states continue issuing visas to Russians, while neighboring countries bear the burden. It is time to halt tourism from Russia,” he wrote, signaling a broader stance on the issue. (attribution: Baltic News)