Latvia: Transport Minister calls for EU ban on Russian, Belarusian grain

The EU should ban the import and transit of grain from Russia and Belarus, Latvia’s Transport Minister Kaspars Briskens stated, LSM reports. He urged the Baltic States to adopt a joint position on the issue, whereas Latvia’s state-owned rail operator, LDz Cargo, insisted on the need for a common EU stance. When Estonia’s state-owned rail operator, Operail, stopped carrying Russian freight more than a year ago, LDz Cargo took over much of the shipments. Grain from Russia and Belarus now accounts for a large share of LDz Cargo’s overall freight turnover. The company is controlled by the Ministry of Transport. LSM reported earlier that Russia continues to export grain to the EU, including from the occupied territories in Ukraine.