RIGA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Latvia imported weapons, ammunition, parts, and accessories worth 796,774 euros (764,903 U.S. dollars) from Russia in 2024, marking a 74.5 percent increase from the previous year and setting a new record, according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau released on Friday.
The State Revenue Service clarified that these imports did not include combat weapons, ammunition, or other items with military applications. Instead, the goods consisted of equipment and accessories for paintball games, repairs of paintball gear, and accessories for underwater sports weapons, reported the national news agency LETA.
Statistical trends indicate that, with some exceptions, Latvia's imports of such goods from Russia have generally been on the rise in recent years. In 2024, these imports surged 55-fold compared to 2014.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to "supporting the strictest possible sanctions on Russia" and has consistently urged businesses in Latvia and the European Union (EU) to cease economic exchanges with Russia and Belarus.
Regarding sanctions, the ministry emphasized that the primary goals are "to reduce Russia's revenue streams, particularly from energy trade, and to prevent the country from utilizing Western technologies in its military industry." ■