Latvia approves nationwide ban on Russian video games

Following the EU’s sanctions on Russian goods, Latvia has approved a national ban on consumer goods. Apart from video games, other goods such as books, toys, clothes, and sports equipment have also been banned.

The ban is aimed at further limiting the nation’s economic ties with Russia. In 2025, imports of the now-banned goods totalled €12.5 million for Latvia.

The €12.5M represents 6.5% of Latvia’s remaining imports from Russia and Belarus, yet only 0.05% of total imports.

“These amendments are the latest tool to systematically reduce economic ties with Russia and Belarus while maintaining our unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence,” said Raimonds Bergmanis as reported by the Saeima Press Service.

Bergmanis is the Chairman of the Defense, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee, which has pushed the bill in the parliament.

The proposal was drafted by the country’s Foreign Ministry. It was later fast-tracked through the parliament in an effort to cut down its remaining ties with Russia in terms of trade.

Latvia is a part of the EU, which has already imposed various bans and restrictions on Russian imports and exports.

This includes a ban on the import of raw materials for steel production, helium, rubber products, wood, and more.

The law in Latvia is set to go into effect a day after it is accepted in the parliament. It’s also set to remain in effect until July 1, 2027. Latvia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, has further called on the nation and the EU to end all their remaining economic ties with Russia.

Interestingly, Russia’s lower house of parliament recently saw a bill proposing greater governmental control over video games. If passed, it could even impact non-Russian games.

Russian government reviews video game certification bill

In Russia’s State Duma, a bill known as the ‘Bill on the Development and Distribution of Video Games in Russia’ was introduced.

Among other things, the bill is meant to “protect the morality, rights, and legitimate interests of citizens.” The quote is reflected in the bill’s explanatory memorandum, as per Inven Global.

The chairperson of the Russian Council for the Development of Civil Society, Yana Lantratova, has also stated that “We should start by introducing a distribution certification system, similar to the one used for films.”

The bill would likely restrict how video games enter the Russian market. This is especially true for games coming from other countries.

The bill has not been finalized or passed in the parliament yet as of July 28, 2026.