Latvian President Rinkēvičs calls for a unilateral ban on Russian grain imports

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said he supports the introduction of a unilateral ban on Russian grain imports. He said this during a press conference, Delfi reports.

“I support the ban on Russian grain imports. Both for political and economic reasons,” Rinkēvičs said.

According to him, grain imports support the “Russian military machine” and also affect Latvian agriculture.

In addition, the Latvian president noted, the grain that is allegedly called Russian may be stolen from the occupied Ukrainian territories. In addition, grain is also used as a weapon in a hybrid war.

Earlier it was reported that the Latvian Saeima will consider a proposal to ban grain imports from Russia and Belarus.

Latvian President Rinkēvičs emphasized that the issue has been discussed at the EU level many times. He prefers a decision to be made at the European level, because if it is a decision of Latvia or the Baltic states alone, Russia will still find ways to sell its grain to the European market.

“I am open to ideas that will finally reduce the dependence of any of our trade on Russia and Belarus,” Rinkēvičs added.

Tags: Russia, grain, Latvia, restrictions, sanctions