Latvia bans imports of Russian and Belarusian books, video games and apparel

Latvia Russia Belarus import ban consumer goods

The Latvian Parliament approved amendments that prohibit the import of a broad range of consumer goods originating from Russia and Belarus. The ban covers items not already subject to EU sanctions, including books, newspapers, video games, sports equipment, toys, clothing and footwear, which officials say can be used to spread Kremlin propaganda.

The targeted imports were valued at €12.5 million in 2025 – roughly 6.5 % of Latvia’s remaining imports from the two countries and only 0.05 % of its total imports. The measures apply also to goods transferred via third‑party states if their origin is Russia or Belarus. The law takes effect the day after promulgation and will remain in force until 1 July 2027. Economy Minister Viktors Valainis described the move as a step toward a complete refusal of goods from the aggressor state, while Foreign Minister Baiba Braže emphasized ending the remaining economic links with Russia by year‑end.

Entities: Baiba Braže · Republic of Belarus · Republic of Latvia · Russian Federation · Viktors Valainis

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Armenia will halt dairy exports to Russia starting on 27 July 2026. (Armenian dairy union president Khachatur Poghosyan; article details)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The restriction was announced on 24 July 2026 by the Russian federal service Rosselkhoznadzor. (Article summary)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Armenian dairy producers export to the United States and some Arab countries. (Armenian cheese‑union president Armen Gigoyan quoted in article)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Armenian cheese‑union president Armen Gigoyan said the sector suffered major losses during the Russia‑Georgia war. (Article summary)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Rosselkhoznadzor based the request on inspections of Armenian dairy enterprises conducted between 14 July and 21 July 2026. (Article summary)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Khachatur Poghosyan said he cannot comment on the export restriction due to lack of information. (Article summary)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Prior to this, Armenia also restricted exports of fruit, vegetables, and flowers to Russia. (Article summary)