Ukraine is drafting new entry rules for Russian citizens following the war
Once the war is over, Ukraine plans to introduce special restrictive entry procedures for Russian citizens. This was announced by Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga during a press conference in Vinnytsia. According to him, this involves enhanced controls, checks, and a permit system for visiting the country.
In Ukraine, following the end of the Russian-Ukrainian war, separate, significantly stricter entry rules are planned for citizens of the Russian Federation, which will include mandatory checks, authorization procedures, and the involvement of relevant security services in every instance of border crossing. This was stated by Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, who emphasized that the state’s approach to citizens of the aggressor country will remain as cautious and controlled as possible even after the end of hostilities.
According to the foreign minister, Ukraine views Russia as an enemy state, so the entry regime for its citizens cannot be standard or simplified; on the contrary, it will require additional verification and approval by special agencies. Sybiga emphasized that currently, Russians can enter Ukraine only with special permission, a visa, and mandatory checks, and this practice will likely remain in place even after the war.
“For us, Russia is an enemy country, an aggressor state. It is impossible for a Russian citizen to enter Ukraine without a special permit, a visa, and verification or screening by all our relevant agencies,” Sibiga noted, explaining the state’s current policy.
He also added that after the war ends, “special restrictive procedures and measures regarding visits to Ukraine” will apply to Russian citizens, emphasizing that this is a matter of national security and managing potential risks. Separately, the minister expressed the view that Ukraine does not expect a mass influx of migrants from Russia after the end of hostilities, so the new rules are more of a precautionary measure than a reaction to potential migration pressure.
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