The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a significant shift in its visa policy, stating that visa applications from Russian citizens would be suspended in response to unforeseen developments in domestic political events. The ministry clarified that only applications lodged before June 25 would continue to be processed, with a clear line drawn between those already in motion and new submissions. Officials emphasized that the suspension aims to safeguard national security and public order while the government reassesses travel and entry controls for residents of the Russian Federation. In a subsequent update, the ministry invited applicants with further questions to reach out to the appropriate Latvian diplomatic representations abroad and urged the public to monitor official channels for any changes to the procedure.
Earlier, observers noted that the Netherlands had previously expressed concern about possible restrictions that could affect the departure of its own citizens from Russia, reflecting a broader regional sensitivity to travel and exit policies in the context of shifting political and security dynamics. This broader backdrop helps explain why Latvia acted quickly to pause new visa processing, aligning with regional efforts to reassess mobility and safety considerations during periods of political volatility.
On June 24, the Latvian presidency announced that Latvia would stop issuing all visa categories to citizens of the Russian Federation. The decision signaled a comprehensive recalibration of Latvia’s immigration stance in light of evolving geopolitical tensions and intelligence assessments. Officials stressed that the measure would be maintained until further notice as the government conducts a thorough review of related anti-terrorism and border security protocols, alongside international consultations and monitoring of the situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, developments in Russia fed into a broader security narrative. On the morning of June 23, statements from Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC), claimed that Russian Defense Ministry forces had attacked rear camps associated with his organization and that his fighters were advancing toward Moscow in a so‑called march for justice. The Kremlin and the Prosecutor General’s Office promptly denied involvement in any such offensive actions and filed legal actions in response to allegations of organizing an armed riot.
As the day progressed, Wagner forces reportedly moved to secure administrative buildings in Rostov-on-Don, while President Vladimir Putin announced his own countermeasures, describing Prigozhin’s actions as a betrayal and warning of serious consequences for the insurgent leadership. In parallel, allied forces within Russia, including the Chechen Akhmat units, were mobilized to Rostov in what was described as a show of regional support for the government’s stance. The sequence of events underscored the fragility of security and command continuity in the face of internal dissent, prompting a cautious assessment by Moscow’s adversaries and supporters alike.
By late evening, Belarusian state media reported that representatives from Alexander Lukashenko’s administration had engaged in discussions with Prigozhin aimed at finding a peaceful resolution. The talks were portrayed as yielding a plan to ensure the safety of Wagner fighters while providing a pathway to de-escalation and a potential realignment of forces. Prigozhin, for his part, signaled a willingness to recalibrate his operational posture and to move columns back toward field camps, suggesting a temporary retreat in the face of mounting political and military pressure. The episode highlighted the complicated choreography of regional diplomacy as neighboring states sought to stabilize a volatile situation without committing to a broader confrontation.