"Latvia supports extension by the European Union of its restrictive measures against Russia that have been adopted in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine. On 28 June, the Council of the European Union prolonged economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 January 2018. On 19 June, the EU Council decided on the extension for one year of restrictions in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol," a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised people not to visit Crimea "in view of the fragile security situation in the Crimean Peninsula – the illegal annexation of this Ukrainian territory, and the fact that under the circumstances consular assistance cannot be ensured to those travelling there."
The ministry also called for what amounts to a cultural boycott of Russia-backed Crimean events, saying: "In light of this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the residents of Latvia to refrain from taking part in sports, cultural and entertainment events organised by the Russian Federation in the illegally annexed territory of Ukraine."
The Ministry also reminded travellers that under the Ukrainian legislation currently in force, the entry to the administrative territories of Ukraine illegally annexed by the Russian Federation is allowed only via relevant Ukrainian border crossing points with the special permission duly received from Ukrainian authorities. Unauthorised border crossing to visit Crimea can be prosecuted under law, including a travel ban to Ukraine.
