The Latvian government has decided to introduce a state of emergency from September 28 in the regions of the country bordering Russia, as well as in ports, airports, border crossing points and on the railway. The reason is the "partial" mobilization announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the growing flow of Russians who, in connection with this, want to leave the country.
“The number of Russian citizens wishing to leave their country has increased significantly. Thus, there is a risk of a rapid increase in the number of illegal migrants on the Latvian-Russian border as well. The purpose of these emergency measures is to prepare for it,” the Latvian government said in a statement.
The state of emergency is introduced in Aluksnensky, Balva and Ludza municipalities bordering the Pskov region. It will be valid for three months. In addition, Latvia closes the Pededze border crossing point.
Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland previously closed entry for Russians with any tourist Schengen visas. In Latvia, after the mobilization was announced, they announced that they would not issue Gumvisas to those who flee Russia from conscription.
On September 27, Poland and Bulgaria recommended that their citizens leave Russia due to the growing tension in the country in connection with the war.