Latvia has decided to suspend the operation of the Vientula and Pededze checkpoints on the Latvian-Russian border from October 16, 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said.

"In this regard, from October 16, 2023, the entry of Ukrainian citizens into the territory of Russia from third countries will be allowed only at the air checkpoint across the Russian state border Sheremetyevo (Moscow)," the ministry said.

It is noted that, according to the Latvian side, this step was taken in response to restrictions imposed by Russia on citizens of Ukraine regarding entry into its territory from the territory of third states. The Latvian checkpoints Vientula and Pededze do not have proper infrastructure to cope with the projected increase in passenger traffic.

The departure of Ukrainian citizens from the Russian territory to Latvia remains possible through the Ubylinka-Grebnevo and Burachki-Terehova checkpoints.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine resumes recommendations to Ukrainian citizens to refrain from visiting the territory of the aggressor state, and also to take into account the impossibility of entering Russia from the territory of Latvia," the ministry said.