Belarus bars Latvian canned fish in new import ban

Belarus on Monday banned imports of several goods from Latvia. According to the regime outlet BELTA, citing the government press service, the decision covers a wide range of products made in Latvia, including canned fish and various industrial goods.

The press service said the measure was taken because Latvia continues what it described as an unconstructive approach and unfriendly rhetoric toward Belarus.

The ban follows an incident on the night of 6 October at the Latvia–Belarus border near Silene, in Skrudaliena parish, Augšdaugava municipality. Armed men in masks tried to bring 20 irregular migrants from Belarus into Latvia and threatened Latvian soldiers who blocked the crossing. Hours later, masked people entered Latvian territory and damaged border-surveillance infrastructure. An unknown group claimed responsibility, while experts judged the episode more likely a provocation organised by the special services of aggressor states.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko accused Latvia of staging the incident in order to obtain money from the European Union.