Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged European nations to impose restrictions on visas for Russian citizens, arguing that such measures are crucial for the security of Europe.
In a statement posted on X, Sybiha asserted that barring Russian combatants and their families from entering the European Union is essential. He specifically called for prompt implementation of a pan-European initiative to enforce entry bans.
“Every Russian man recruited to fight against Ukraine should know: by signing a contract with the invading army, he is also signing a ban on entering Europe and the rest of the world,” Sybiha said. He emphasized that non-essential visas for Russian nationals should be limited across all European countries, framing this as a national security issue for Europe.
Sybiha also expressed concern about the actions of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, who he stated is actively recruiting soldiers. He described the current Russian military actions against Ukraine as intensifying and urged decisive action from European authorities. “Russia’s attacks on Europe are no longer merely hybrid. They are growing in intensity and scale. This demands urgent action. Only tough pressure can stop Putin,” he remarked.
Additionally, Sybiha highlighted the need to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats within Europe, asserting that unrestricted access poses further risks. He concluded by reiterating the importance of collective action among European states in addressing the ongoing security threats posed by Russia.
