Latvia moves to expel Russian journalist over pro-Kremlin remarks

A senior European official confirmed that the individual in question is Leonid Ragozin, a Russian journalist who previously worked for the BBC and has also contributed to Bloomberg and POLITICO. Ragozin recently stated on a podcast hosted by Aaron Maté of The Grayzone that Russia felt compelled to respond to perceived Western provocations with "brute force." He suggested that Russia views itself as under constant pressure from the West, encroaching on its sphere of influence, which compels it to react to "hybrid actions" and "clandestine actions" in the former Soviet Union.

These comments have caused significant backlash in Latvia. Latvian Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava stated on X that Ragozin serves "Russian interests" and that his continued free presence in Latvia is untenable, adding that the persona non grata instrument is intended for such situations. The Baltic nations, including Latvia, have been increasingly wary of Russia's actions, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.