In the first eight months of 2025, the Pension and Social Insurance Fund of Russia transferred €15.4 million (approximately $17.8 million) to provide pensions for Russian nationals residing in Latvia and Estonia, as reported by state media on Wednesday.
The fund indicated that around 13,300 individuals in these two countries are eligible for these payments based on bilateral agreements. It noted that prior transfers had been hindered by foreign banks due to sanctions.
The Ministry of Social Affairs in Estonia has, however, criticized Russia for allegedly using sanctions as an excuse, stating that Moscow has not fulfilled its obligations to approximately 4,000 pensioners in Estonia since at least February.
Local media in Estonia and Latvia reported on Tuesday that Russia has transmitted €2.4 million to Tallinn and nearly €13 million to Riga as delayed pension payments. Officials in both nations anticipate beginning the distribution of these funds next month.
Russia established bilateral pension agreements with Estonia and Latvia back in 2011.
According to TASS, officials in Latvia and Estonia green-lighted these recent transfers earlier in August. Russia’s pension fund has also reportedly submitted similar requests to Lithuania, Israel, and Bulgaria.
