Ukrainian FM Urges EU-Wide Entry Ban on Russians Who Took Part in War in Ukraine

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on the European Union to introduce a bloc-wide entry ban on Russian citizens who took part in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, arguing the measure is necessary to strengthen Europe’s long-term security.

“There needs to be a total EU-wide entry ban for Russian citizens who took part in Russian aggression against Ukraine,” Sybiha said, according to teh statemnet on February 9. “First, it’s about the long-term national security of European states and the protection of their citizens from Russian thugs.”

Sybiha said such restrictions should also serve as a clear deterrent, making the consequences of participation in the war unmistakable.

“Second, this will set the right price for the wrong choices: each Russian who signs a contract to invade Ukraine must know that he also signs himself a lifelong entry ban to Europe,” he said.

The foreign minister pointed to Estonia as an example of how such measures can be implemented at the national level.

“Estonia has already demonstrated leadership by implementing relevant national decisions and proving that the mechanism works,” Sybiha said, calling on other EU members to follow suit.

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“Now it is time to expand this to the entire European Union, and I urge my EU colleagues to take this step seriously,” he added, stressing that “this is about strengthening the security of Europe.”

Sybiha’s call comes as the European Union is already weighing further restrictions on travel by Russian citizens.

EU Commissioner for Security and Migration Magnus Brunner said the bloc plans to further tighten visa rules for Russians by the end of 2025, while stopping short of endorsing a full ban on tourist visas.

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“Visa issuance has dropped sharply over the past years—from 4 million to 500,000. Because visas are handled by individual member states, the EU cannot impose a total ban,” Brunner said.

He noted that in several EU countries the number of visas issued to Russian citizens has recently begun to increase, prompting talks with those governments about additional restrictions.

While some member states have pushed for a complete ban on Russian tourists, Brunner said the EU’s current approach focuses on further limiting visa issuance rather than halting it altogether.

Earlier, Estonia’s Interior Ministry proposed restricting the purchase of real estate by Russian and Belarusian citizens, allowing such transactions only for those who hold long-term residence permits, a move that could affect around 10,000 foreign nationals.

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