Pro-Russian activist to be prosecuted in Latvia for violating EU sanctions by supporting Russian propaganda

On April 7, 2026, Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) called on the prosecutor’s office to criminally charge Viktors Guščins, a long-time Russian ethnic policy activist, for violating European Union sanctions. Criminal proceedings initially began on November 26, 2025, after VDD discovered Guščins had published content on a Russian propaganda website operated by an EU-sanctioned foundation. His posts glorified Russia and presented World War II events and Latvia’s occupation in line with Russian interests. Based on VDD’s recommendation, access to the propaganda website was blocked in Latvia. Guščins is currently held in custody as a precautionary measure. The VDD emphasized that supplying resources to entities under EU sanctions constitutes a violation of those sanctions. The case highlights Latvia’s legal response to internal pro-Kremlin actors violating EU rules and supporting Russian influence operations.