Latvia has banned three Russian nationals from entering the country, citing their roles in organizing Russia’s participation in the Venice Biennale.
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced that Mikhail Shvydkoy, Anastasia Karneeva, and Ekaterina Vinokurova have been declared persona non grata and are barred from entry for an indefinite period.
Context Behind Why Latvia Bans Russian Nationals
The three individuals are connected to Russia’s representation at the Biennale. Mikhail Shvydkoy serves as President Putin’s special representative for international cultural cooperation and is identified as a key advocate for the exhibition.
Anastasia Karneeva, the newly appointed commissioner of the Russian pavilion, is the daughter of a former FSB general and a senior executive at the state corporation Rostec.
Ekaterina Vinokurova, the daughter of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is the director of Christie’s Russia and co-founder of Smart Art, the official organizer of the Russian pavilion.
Diplomatic Tensions and Boycott Threats
Mikhail Shvydkoy previously stated that the Russian pavilion is scheduled to open in May 2026, arguing that Russia “never left” the event and is merely seeking new creative forms in current circumstances.
In response, Latvian Culture Minister Agnese Lače stated on April 21 that she will boycott the opening of the Biennale on May 9 if Russia is permitted to take part.
Lače’s position is backed by 25 European countries calling for Russia’s exclusion. The Latvian Ministry of Culture warned that allowing participation would grant the “aggressor state” legitimacy through a European cultural platform supported by European funding.
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