Pro-Kremlin activist arrested in Latvia

On December 17, 2025, Viktors Guščins, a prominent figure among Russian compatriots in Latvia and a long-standing pro-Kremlin activist, was detained and subjected to a court-imposed security detention measure by Riga City Court. The Latvian State Security Service (VDD) arrested him after accusing him of violating the EU sanctions regime by collaboration with a Russian propaganda outlet blacklisted by the EU. The propaganda included messages glorifying Russia and misleading historical narratives on Latvia's occupation and World War II events. Guščins, though on the Latvian Russian Union's election list for 2022 and 2018, was never elected but has been an active lecturer and author of works promoting Kremlin-friendly views. The VDD also searched premises in Jelgava and detained another individual. Under Latvian Criminal Law, violating EU sanctions carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. This case illustrates ongoing Latvian countermeasures against Russian influence activities within its borders.