Law enforcement will reportedly stop guarding consulate buildings in the Latvian cities of Daugavpils and Liepaja.

Latvian police will stop protecting the Russian consulate buildings in the cities of Daugavpils and Liepaja, the country’s news agency LETA reported on Saturday.

The change must be confirmed by the government, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly informed the police that they are no longer required to safeguard the consulates.

In April, Latvia demanded that Moscow close both offices and that staff stationed there leave the country by April 30. The country’s foreign ministry said the decision had been made. “in solidarity with Ukraine.”

Protests have been held in front of Russian missions in Latvia in response to Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine, which was launched in late February. In April, a protester threw red paint on the Russian embassy building in Riga.

Last week, Latvia stopped accepting visa applications from Russians, with the exception of those applying for entry. “to attend the funeral of a close relative.” According to the Latvian media, the State Security Service (VDD) accused Moscow of undertaking “an increasingly aggressive foreign policy against Western countries”, and said that the Latvian authorities were increasing security measures.

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