Latvian President Edgars RinkÄviÄs supports the unilateral ban on the import of Russian grain. He made this statement during a press conference, as reported by Delfi.
"I support the ban on the import of Russian grain, both for political and economic reasons," said the Latvian president. He noted that grain imports support the "Russian military machine" and also impact Latvian agriculture.
RinkÄviÄs further stated that grain labeled as Russian might be stolen from the occupied Ukrainian territories. Moreover, he emphasized that grain is used as a weapon in hybrid warfare.
Edgars RinkÄviÄs emphasized that the issue has been discussed at the EU level multiple times. He believes it is better to make decisions at the European level because if it's a decision only by Latvia or the Baltic states, Russia will still find ways to sell its grain on the European market.
Additionally, Latvia's Minister of Agriculture, Armands Krauze, has initiated discussions within the EU about banning the import of Russian agricultural products into the EU.