Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has called on European Union (EU) countries to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens, arguing that the move would help prevent potential “hybrid threats” in the future.

“Just don’t let Russians into Europe, for God’s sake,” Kulbergs said in an interview with the Financial Times.

The Latvian prime minister said that Latvia faces “hybrid attacks” every year and expects the largest influx of migrants in five years in 2026.

He criticized European countries that continue to issue visas to Russian citizens, while acknowledging that some governments are reluctant to restrict travel because of the revenue generated by tourism.

Meanwhile, Latvia is seeking €7 billion in compensation from the EU for what its authorities describe as lost business and investment caused by the country’s proximity to Russia and Belarus.

Kulbergs has argued that Latvia’s geographical position next to the two countries has reduced its GDP growth rate by 1.9 percentage points.