Latvia declares Russian journalist Leonid Ragozin persona non grata

Latvia announced that Russian journalist Leonid Ragozin will be expelled and placed on the nation’s persona non grata register because of his pro-Kremlin commentary. The move was approved after the foreign ministry received relevant intelligence and coordinated with the prime minister and interior minister. Ragozin, who has contributed to one outlet, Bloomberg and one outlet, recently appeared on the Grayzone podcast to argue that Russia feels compelled to respond forcefully to perceived Western provocations.

Latvian officials, including Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava, said his presence threatens national security and serves Russian interests. The interior minister posted on X that the expulsion process is underway and expects a swift resolution. No comment was obtained from Ragozin.