EU returns to discussing entry ban for Russian ex-combatants

During an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow (Ireland) on Wednesday, September 2, ministers returned to discussing a ban on entry to the European Union for Russian ex-combatants, and the idea had broad support. This was stated by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, according to Європейська правда.

The EU is again discussing a ban on entry for Russian militants and restricting visa issuance to tourists from Russia.

"There was broad support for introducing a ban on entry to the EU for former Russian combatants and strengthening visa restrictions for Russian tourists", – said Kallas, speaking about the results of the discussions among EU foreign ministers.

At the request of journalists, she commented on information that one of the suspects in the attempted sabotage of a Ukrainian transport plane at Leipzig airport, a Russian, entered EU territory on a tourist visa issued by Italy.

"If this is true, – and of course, this must be confirmed or refuted by the German authorities, – this clearly shows that visas are a tool for those who aim to harm the European Union, to enter the European Union", – stressed the EU chief diplomat.

She emphasized that "it is abnormal that a country bombs Ukraine, killing more civilians in July and August than ever during this war – and at the same time Russians are entering and enjoying the hospitality of European countries".

The official believes that "this should not be the case, and many member states have already noted this before".

"In fact, such tourist visas are used for sabotage acts, since these people need to enter the European Union. So I hope… that this will also convince certain member states that have opposed introducing visa restrictions that actually this is our security that is under threat, as well as the security of Ukraine", – said Kaja Kallas.

As reported by "European Pravda", the Italian Foreign Minister has already reacted to the information about the Italian visa of the suspect in the Leipzig attack.

We remind that during the discussion of the latest sanctions package, it was Italy and France that opposed a complete entry ban for Russian combatants.

In turn, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs sharply criticized the refusal to impose a full entry ban to the EU for participants in the war against Ukraine.