Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Brazhe declared Russian designer Artemy Lebedev and comedian Valery Ponomarenko persona non grata. She wrote about this on her X social network page.
“I have decided to include Russian citizens Artemy Lebedev and Valery Ponomarenko in the list of persons undesirable for the Republic of Latvia (persona non grata) and ban them from entering Latvia indefinitely.” – says Braje’s message.
Lebedev has already responded to the actions of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, writing about it on his Telegram channel.
“Zaya, today is an interesting day: I was banned from entering Latvia! This is the power of the Russian language: it can reach even Kyiv. I salute the pathetic, petty and insignificant Latvian officials.” — wrote Lebedev.
As reported EADailyIn March 2022, Latvia banned entry to 25 Russian cultural figures. The list included Nikita Mikhalkov, Tina Kandelaki, Vladimir Mashkov, Stas Mikhailov and other Russian stars.
In May of the same year, Latvia banned entry. Philip Kirkorov, Vladimir Vinokur, Evgeny Petrosyan AND Irina Viner-Usmanovadeclaring them persona non grata.
In July this year, a Russian singer of Georgian origin was added to the banned list. Irakli Pirtskhalava. The artist wondered what the Latvian authorities were afraid of.
