EU may soften proposed entry ban on former combatants in Russia's war against Ukraine – Euronews

The European Union is considering a scaled-back version of its proposal to ban the issuing of visas to people who fought for Russia in Ukraine as part of the EU's 21st package of sanctions against Russia.

Source: European Pravda, citing Euronews

Details: In the proposal currently under discussion, the ban would apply only to short-stay visas and only to individuals who directly participated in combat operations in Ukraine.

The measure will form part of the EU's 21st package of sanctions imposed in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In recent weeks, France and Italy have opposed a full entry ban for former combatants in Russia's war against Ukraine, arguing that the issue should be addressed through visa policy rather than sanctions. They also warned that such a measure could create practical difficulties for countries that process large numbers of visa applications from Russians.

To address those concerns, Ireland, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, has proposed limiting the measure to short-stay visas. The revised proposal would apply only to individuals who serve or have served in the Russian armed forces or in irregular armed groups controlled by or acting on behalf of Moscow, and only if they directly participated in combat operations in Ukraine after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The original proposal was significantly broader, covering anyone who has served in the Russian armed forces, including in administrative or logistical roles. The revised draft also removes the presumption that visa applicants participated in the war unless they can prove otherwise.

The list of exemptions has also been expanded. Under the original proposal, the only exemption was for applicants who could prove they had deserted from the Russian armed forces or had opposed Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

The latest version also allows entry or transit on humanitarian grounds, in national interests, or to fulfil international obligations.

In such exceptional cases, the visa would only be valid for the territory of the issuing EU member state, meaning the holder would not be able to travel to another member state without that country's consent.

According to the European Commission's timescale, the EU's 21st Russia sanctions package must be approved by 15 July – the deadline for reviewing the price cap on Russian oil.

Background:

• At the beginning of June, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the proposed 21st Russia sanctions package.
• Shortly afterwards, Bulgaria said it would block the package because of the inclusion of Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill on the proposed sanctions list. Italy later raised similar objections.

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