Latvian authorities have begun the process to declare journalist Leonid Ragozin persona non grata following calls from government officials.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže has initiated proceedings to declare a Russian citizen persona non grata, according to reports from the local outlet Delfi. While the Foreign Ministry did not publicly name the individual, sources cited by Delfi identified the target as Leonid Ragozin, a journalist who has resided in Latvia since 2014. The move follows a formal request from Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava, who argued that Ragozin’s public commentary contradicts the interests of the Latvian state.

Basis for the Expulsion Proceedings

Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava formally requested the action on September 30, alleging that Ragozin has spent years expressing views that justify Russian foreign policy, criticize sanctions, and discredit Ukraine. Dombrava specifically cited concerns that Ragozin's actions aim to steer Western public opinion in a direction favorable to Russia. Foreign Minister Braže stated that the decision to initiate the process was based on information from competent authorities and discussions with the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Interior.

Background and Recent Commentary

Leonid Ragozin is a former producer for the BBC Russian Service and a former editor at Russian Newsweek. Since moving to Latvia in 2014, he has contributed to various international outlets, including Al Jazeera, Politico, and The American Conservative. Recent controversy centers on comments made during a podcast appearance and columns in which he argued that Russia was compelled to respond to Western pressure with force and suggested that Ukraine should pursue negotiations to avoid national catastrophe.