In Latvia, it is proposed to ban the import and transit of Russian and Belarusian grain

Minister of Transport of Latvia Kaspars Briskens proposed to ban the import of Russian and Belarusian grain to the European Union.

In 2022, goods of Russian and Belarusian origin accounted for more than half of the cargo volumes of the Latvian state-owned company LDz,  LSM writes. Although the figures for 2023 are not yet known, the company’s management confirms that it will continue the transportation.

Now the new Minister of Transport of Latvia, Kaspars Briskens, calls Russian grain “bloody” and proposes to ban its import into the EU.

According to him, the Russian Federation can use the income from grain exports to finance the war against Ukraine. In addition, the Russian authorities can export grain stolen from the occupied territories of Ukraine under the guise of Russian grain.

Briskens has already instructed the ministry to prepare an analysis of the consequences of the ban on the import of Russian and Belarusian grain.

The minister also started negotiations with his Estonian and Lithuanian counterparts on this topic. Briskens added that he would try to convince the government and other EU countries to ban the import of Russian and Belarusian grain as part of the next package of sanctions.