On May 3, 2026, Riga Fertilizer Terminal in Riga, Latvia, formally requested a special exemption from EU sanctions to recommence its operations, proposing to implement a so-called "firewall" to cut off control and profits of Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, who remains under EU sanctions. However, Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) warned that despite such measures, informal influence risks persist via proxies or affiliated companies. The Latvian government is set to discuss the issue in a closed session soon after May holidays. The terminal, a joint Latvia-Russia venture since 2013 valued at over 60 million euros, halted operations following the 2022 EU sanctions on Mazepin after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Attempts to change ownership to evade sanctions were blocked by Latvian authorities. Latvian officials including the Minister of Economics and the Foreign Minister emphasized sanctions' primacy and highlighted uncertainty about the company's new business plans and origins of imported fertilizers, with no clear business plan presented. The terminal promises 150 jobs, economic benefits exceeding 5 million euros annually, and cooperation with European fertilizer producers while committing to legal sanctions compliance. Meanwhile, Latvian security services remain cautious, underscoring that informal control by sanctioned persons may continue despite formal "firewalls." The event reflects ongoing tensions at the intersection of economic interests and national security concerns related to Russian oligarch-linked businesses under sanctions.

On May 3, 2026, Riga Fertilizer Terminal in Riga, Latvia, formally requested a special exemption from EU sanctions to recommence its operations, proposing to implement a so-called "firewall" to cut off control and profits of Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, who remains under EU sanctions. However, Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) warned that despite such measures, informal influence risks persist via proxies or affiliated companies. The Latvian government is set to discuss the issue in a closed session soon after May holidays. The terminal, a joint Latvia-Russia venture since 2013 valued at over 60 million euros, halted operations following the 2022 EU sanctions on Mazepin after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Attempts to change ownership to evade sanctions were blocked by Latvian authorities. Latvian officials including the Minister of Economics and the Foreign Minister emphasized sanctions' primacy and highlighted uncertainty about the company's new business plans and origins of imported fertilizers, with no clear business plan presented. The terminal promises 150 jobs, economic benefits exceeding 5 million euros annually, and cooperation with European fertilizer producers while committing to legal sanctions compliance. Meanwhile, Latvian security services remain cautious, underscoring that informal control by sanctioned persons may continue despite formal "firewalls." The event reflects ongoing tensions at the intersection of economic interests and national security concerns related to Russian oligarch-linked businesses under sanctions.