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Vladimir Zelensky's proposal on “visa sanctions” against Russia did not find support in the EU and the US. The European Union and Washington do not want to close the security routes for Russian dissidents.
I don't think this is a good idea – Borrell
Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, advocated a selective approach to issuing visas to Russian citizens in the EU. He called “visa sanctions” a controversial proposal.
Some countries have already taken certain measures in this regard, others are not going to support them. I don't think it's a good idea to ban all Russians from entering. We need to be more selective,” Borrell said.
He clarified that Russian oligarchs should not be allowed into the EU. At the same time, as Borrell said, there are many Russians “who want to leave the country and are not ready to be in such a situation there.”
Therefore, Borrell concluded, the EU cannot close the doors to these Russians .
The United States does not support the introduction of visa restrictions either
State Department Speaker Ned Price said that the United States does not support the introduction of visa restrictions against Russia, as this would close the escape routes for Russian dissidents.< /p>
The United States would not want to close avenues to safe haven and security for Russian dissidents or others vulnerable to human rights abuses, Voice of America journalist Mikhail Komadovsky quoted Price as saying.
According to Price, the United States has made it clear that that it is important to draw a line between the actions of the Russian government and its policies in Ukraine and the people of Russia.
Price recalled that the United States imposed visa restrictions on almost 5,000 people on February 24 in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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What is known about the “visa sanctions” against Russia
- President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Western countries to ban all Russian citizens from entering. According to him, the entry ban will force the Russians to change their minds about the aggression against Ukraine.
- After that, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas called for stopping the issuance of visas to Russian citizens. The Estonian government has introduced a number of restrictions for Russian citizens. In general, many categories of Russians are now unable to enter Estonia.
- Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin also believes that Russians should limit the issuance of tourist visas at the European level. Visa restrictions were supported in the Czech Republic, Latvia and Poland.
- At the same time, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz does not support the corresponding ban. Scholz noted that it is important not to make life difficult for the Kremlin's opponents.
- The European Commission said they could not decide on a complete ban on visas for Russian citizens. It is reported that the EU countries can take such a step on their own.
- Also refused to impose a ban on the entry of Russian tourists to Portugal.
