The EU is preparing a travel ban on Russian participants in the war against Ukraine
The European Union is preparing an initiative that could ban entry for Russians who participated in the war against Ukraine. The proposal is scheduled to be brought before the European Council as early as June. The idea has support in Ukraine, where it is described as a just response to the aggression. This is according to a statement by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas on the website of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
The European Union is preparing a new package of restrictions that could bar entry into the EU for Russians who participated in hostilities against Ukraine. This is a political initiative planned to be presented at the June meeting of the European Council, aimed at strengthening security rules for member states.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced the preparation of the proposal, noting that work on the document is already underway. In a statement released by the European External Action Service, she noted: “By the June meeting of the European Council, we will have prepared proposals to restrict the entry of former Russian combatants into the European Union.”
The initiative has already received support in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga called it timely and emphasized that it sends a clear signal to those participating in the war against Ukraine. In his words: “This is a timely and long-awaited step that will demonstrate to every Russian that by signing a contract to participate in a criminal, aggressive war against Ukraine, they are simultaneously signing their own ban on entry into Europe.”
Sibiga also emphasized that such restrictions are logical from a security standpoint, as people participating in a war against European countries or their partners should not be able to move freely within the EU. He called on EU member states to support this initiative, calling it an important step in shaping a common security policy.
Additionally, the Baltic states did not allow Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s plane to fly to Moscow on May 9. Ukraine supported this decision and called it a matter of principle. Kyiv is calling on other countries to do the same.
