Latvia’s measures targeting Russians who have not proven proficiency in the Latvian language constitute an act of Nazism, according to Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, who made the statement on October 13 during an interview with RIA Novosti.
On October 11, Irina Volk, an official from the Russian Interior Ministry, disclosed that Moscow is supporting 800 Russian citizens deported from Latvia due to their inability to speak the Latvian language. She noted that since 2006, Russia has maintained a program to assist compatriots living abroad in relocating to the Russian Federation.
Earlier, reports indicated that over 800 Russians could face deportation from Latvia by October 13 for violating migration regulations. In 2024, Latvia implemented stricter immigration rules for Russian citizens, requiring applicants for long-term EU residency to demonstrate A2-level proficiency in Latvian, along with completing security and background checks by June 30, 2025.
