On Wednesday, the foreign ministers of the EU countries will discuss possible restrictions on the issuance of visas to Russian citizens in Prague. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg had already emphasized in advance that he was “not happy” with the open discussion. He speaks out against a complete visa ban for Russians.
“We cannot cancel an entire country. That would not be wise,” Schallenberg said in the morning newspaper Ö1 on Wednesday. The sanctions should be directed against the system of Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin and not against the Russian people. The minister commented critically: Europe paints the picture of division that being exploited by Russian propaganda.
Baerbock: “Do not punish regime-critical Russians”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock proposed on Tuesday to suspend an existing visa agreement with Russia. Then, before issuing an entry permit, EU countries can check the reasons for applying for a visa and find out how close an applicant is to the government in Moscow. She also worries that Russians who are critical of the regime may continue to travel abroad. It’s important “that we don’t punish them now”.
So far, the agreement that came into effect in 2007 after the Russian attack on Ukraine was officially suspended only for businessmen, government officials and diplomats. It is now considered likely that the Prague meeting will agree to completely suspend the still existing European agreement with Russia to facilitate the issuance of visas.
Ukrainian minister for total ban
For Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, however, “the time of half measures” is over. A ban is in order because the majority of Russians support the war of aggression against Ukraine. “Only a firm and consistent policy can lead to results,” says Kuleba. The Ukrainian also proposed a special arrangement for Russian soldiers who no longer wanted to fight in Ukraine.
Source: Krone
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