Ban on entry of Russian military personnel into the EU: Ukraine supports the initiative

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga has supported the European Union’s intention to restrict entry to the Schengen area for persons who participated in the war against Ukraine as part of the Russian army. He stated this, commenting on the position of the EU’s chief diplomat Kaia Kallas.

According to the Foreign Minister, such an initiative is “timely and fair”, as it should demonstrate the responsibility of everyone who joins the armed aggression. He stressed that signing a contract with the Russian army should have not only military, but also legal and political consequences, in particular, restrictions on freedom of movement in Europe.

Earlier, a group of EU member states called on the EU leadership to prepare a corresponding decision, and some countries have already begun to act at the national level. In particular, Estonia initiated an entry ban for persons identified as Russian servicemen.

It is expected that specific proposals for restrictions may be presented at the next EU summit. If the decision is adopted, it will become another element of the policy of deterring aggression and strengthening international responsibility for participation in the war against Ukraine.