The Latvian authorities are planning to impose a ban on the entry of Russian ships into the country’s ports in connection with the events in Ukraine, Baltic Communications Minister Talis Linkits said today on TV3.
“Ships under the flag of the Russian Federation continue to call at Latvian ports. In my opinion, this is unacceptable, we are preparing the relevant government decisions,” he said.
Riga wanted such a ban to be announced on behalf of the EU, but member states have different positions on this issue. “We hoped that the EU would be able to make a joint decision on ports, but there are countries that are categorically against this,” Linkits was quoted by BGNES.
According to the minister, the decision can be made at the regional level. “Obviously, the decision will be regional,” he added.
In early March, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that the issue of closing the Baltic Sea ports to Russia, which is also being discussed in Lithuania, should be agreed at least with partners in the region.