Latvia Donates 30,000 Tonnes of Seized Russian Fertilizers to Bangladesh via UN World Food Programme

Latvia Facilitates Humanitarian Fertilizer Shipment to Bangladesh

On November 6, 2025, Latvia dispatched a cargo of 30,000 tonnes of mineral fertilizer, specifically potash, to Bangladesh. This significant donation was made through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), with the aim of addressing food security challenges in the South Asian nation. The shipment, announced by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 7, 2025, represents a continued effort by Latvia to mitigate the global food crisis exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

Background of Seizure and Sanctions

The fertilizers, originating from Russia, were owned by companies that became subject to European Union sanctions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As a result, these goods, initially in transit, were held within Latvian territory. The decision to donate these seized assets for humanitarian purposes was made by the Latvian Cabinet on December 6, 2022, in response to a request from the United Nations to help alleviate the negative consequences of the war on global food supplies.

A Series of Humanitarian Deliveries

This shipment to Bangladesh is the fifth such delivery of Russian-origin mineral fertilizers from Latvia. Previously, a total of 130,000 tonnes of these fertilizers were sent to other countries in need, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, during 2023 and 2024. The fertilizers were stored in Latvia, with the total amount of Russian mineral fertilizers held in the country estimated at approximately 200,000 tonnes. The Uralchem Group, a major Russian fertilizer producer, has been identified as the donor for these humanitarian shipments, covering the sea freight and associated costs. Since late 2022, Uralchem Group has contributed approximately 220,000 tonnes of mineral fertilizers free of charge to nations facing acute hunger, with nearly 200,000 tonnes shipped via WFP from EU ports and warehouses.

Addressing Global Food Insecurity

The initiative underscores the collaborative efforts between Latvia, the United Nations, and other international partners to provide assistance to countries severely affected by the food crisis. The WFP plays a crucial role in arranging these shipments to support nations most in need of these agricultural products. The donation aims to boost crop yields and ensure a stable food supply in recipient countries like Bangladesh, which faces challenges to its food system.