Latvia Bans Father of PM Candidate Over War Material Links
Latvia banned Russian businessman Sergey Fedotov, father of candidate for prime minister Julia Stepanenko, from entering the country after revelations that his company produced anti-tank 'dragon's teeth' for Russia's military. The ban followed media reports linking Fedotov to wartime production and financial support for his daughter's political campaign.
Consensus
- Latvia has banned Sergey Fedotov, the father of Julia Stepanenko, from entering the country.
- Sergey Fedotov is a Russian businessman and the father of Julia Stepanenko.
- Julia Stepanenko is a candidate for Prime Minister of Latvia.
- Fedotov's company produced anti-tank 'dragon's teeth' and tetrapods for Russia's military during the war in Ukraine.
- The company supplied materials to Belgorod Oblast and occupied territories in Donbass.
- Julia Stepanenko received significant gifts from her father, including a flat in Riga worth €180,000 and nearly €240,000 in total.
- The ban was announced after media reports by The Insider and LTV.
- Fedotov confirmed his relationship with Stepanenko and stated he transferred his Latvian assets after losing entry rights.
- The Latvian parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 3.
- Stepanenko leads the 'Sovereign Power / Union of Young Latvians' party.
Points of divergence
- Fedotov's company produced around two thousand concrete 'dragon's teeth' and tetrapods specifically for the Russian army. — tg_theinsider
- Fedotov was a municipal deputy in Russia and visited by Viktor Bout in August 2026 during a campaign event. — tg_currenttime
- Fedotov is 72 years old and visited his company with Viktor Bout, who was shown on Russian TV. — tg_radiosvoboda
- The total value of gifts from Fedotov to Stepanenko is nearly €420,000. — tg_theinsider
- The total value of gifts is nearly €240,000. — tg_radiosvoboda
- Fedotov was a municipal deputy and visited by Viktor Bout during a campaign event in August 2026. — tg_currenttime
Coverage (4 sources)
- After The Insider publication, Latvia banned entry to candidate for prime minister Yulia Stepanenko's father. His company supplied Russia... — The Insider
- Latvian authorities added politician Julia Stepanenko's father to blacklist, who is vying for Latvian prime minister position — Настоящее Время
- Father of Latvia's prime minister candidate Yulia Stepanenko is a Russian businessman. His company produced 'dragon teeth' for the army... — Радио Свобода
- Father of Latvia's prime minister candidate Yulia Stepanenko is a Russian businessman. His company produced 'dragon teeth' for the army... — The Insider