The Latvian Embassy in Russia has stopped accepting visa applications for Russian citizens indefinitely. Visa applications will only be accepted in cases relating to funerals of close relatives

2 comments

1. That’s kinda messed up

2. Good. Lots of good reasons to do so. As I psoted elsewhere:

   1. It limits opportunities for Russian espionage (both political and industrial)

   2. It limits opportunities for political disruption by Russian agents through things like disinformation

   3. It limits the ability of Oligarchs to evade sanctions and compels them to oppose Putin.

   4. It limits opportunities for the Russian state to bypass sanctions on dual use sanction goods.

   5. It forces Russians to remain in Russia and deal with their genocidal state rather than running away.

   6. It reduces the opportunity for the Russian economy to grow by limiting the ability of ex-pats to gain knowledge in western learning institutions. Thereby stunting their future growth and thereby limiting their potential to threaten other states.

   7. Creates dissatisfaction among the local populace.

   8. Reinforces their limited options, compelling them to a just peace.