EU chief diplomat Kallas says EU could tighten visa rules for Russians

EU member states could tighten controls on the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen area, ban visas for former Russian combatants and reduce the number of tourist visas issued to Russian citizens.

Source: a statement by Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on 15 September for the Joint Debate on Russia's hybrid attacks against EU member states, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kallas pointed out that Hungary has recently expelled 10 Russian diplomats. The European Union has also limited the size of Russia's mission to the EU.

Quote: "There is still potential to do more. We can tighten control further over the movement of Russian diplomats within Schengen. We can ban issuing visas for Russia's ex-combatants. And we should review the issuance of tourist visas for Russian citizens. We must reduce the pool of people conducting attacks on European soil."

More details: Kallas also stressed the importance of reducing Russia's sources of funding. EU sanctions have already deprived the Russian economy of €1 trillion, she said.

Quote: "We are now finalising the largest number of listings yet. We are also steadily dismantling the shadow fleet. EU naval operations are taking the lead in boarding suspected vessels."

Background:

• The European Union has been discussing restrictions on issuing visas to those who fought in Ukraine on Russia's side since the summer. The EU's 21st sanctions package introduced a mechanism for banning visas for Russian military personnel, but the ban itself has not yet entered into force.
• Earlier, Kallas said the EU needs to accelerate its defence preparations as threats to Europe are increasing. She said EU member states therefore need to be prepared sooner than 2030, the timeframe previously set out.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon to help us keep reporting!