Russian Ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov, who is leaving his post, accused the EU of “destroying bridges” at a farewell reception with diplomats. At the same time, he did not mention the main reason for the deterioration of relations – Russia's war against Ukraine.
Chizhov resigned after 17 years of service. The diplomat of the aggressor country gave a farewell reception, which was attended mainly by diplomats from non-EU countries.
Chizhov accused the EU during his speech
Neither the representatives of the EU countries nor the European External Action Service were present at the last meeting with the diplomat. In his speech, Chizhov spoke sarcastically about the EU. He did not mention the problems that led to the difficult relationship with Russia – the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the war against Ukraine.
The Russian ambassador said that the EU declared itself an organization seeking to build bridges, not walls, but “what we're seeing today is really the opposite.”
It's easy, and I said it this morning to EU representatives to burn bridges. And it is much more difficult to rebuild them,” Chizhov said.
He also added that the European Union has never been an easy partner for anyone.
Despite Chizhov's words, EU-Russia relations are not completely frozen and he is expected to be replaced. The name of his successor remains confidential until all EU countries agree on the appointment.
What an EU diplomat said about Chizhov
One of the diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that he was glad for the departure of the Russian ambassador. According to him, he was a “hostile and destructive” official who caused great harm to relations with the EU.
Montenegro declared the Russian ambassador to the country persona non grata
The Russian occupiers continue to receive loud slaps from the international community. Earlier, the Montenegrin Foreign Ministry announced that it had declared Russian Ambassador Vladislav Maslennikov persona non grata. This decision was made on the basis that he carried out activities contrary to Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Recall that the EU countries are beginning to actively advocate for prohibiting the issuance of Schengen tourist visas to Russians.
Countries suspend visa-free travel with Russia
- The approval of the corresponding decision was recommended by the European Commission. Now Russian citizens will be subject to the general rules of the visa code. For citizens of the aggressor country, this means an increase in the visa fee from 35 to 80 euros, as well as the need to provide additional documentary evidence. In addition, visa processing time will increase.
- Countries will also decide what to do with visas already issued. At the same time, they can make their own decisions about tougher or weaker conditions.
- The Baltic countries and Poland have already announced that they are closing entry for Russians. The Latvian government has already made a formal decision.
- Estonia, for example, aims to stop most Russians from entering the country within a few weeks. We are talking about a complete blocking of border crossings for tourist visas.
- At the same time, Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba believes that visa restrictions should be extended not only to citizens of Russia, but also to citizens of Belarus.
