- Category
- War in Ukraine
Sign a Russian Military Contract, Lose Access to Europe—Ukraine Pushes EU Entry Ban
Prefer U24 Media on Google
- Authors
![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Ukraine is pushing for European Union entry bans on Russians who fought against Ukraine, as well as their family members, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said. He argued that those involved in Moscow’s aggression should face consequences for their actions.
In an interview with Ukrinform on October 16, Sybiha said Kyiv was working with European partners to tighten restrictions on Russian nationals involved in the war, including measures limiting their movement across the EU and access to visas.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
“Russians must clearly understand that by signing a military service contract, they will be banned from entering the EU. These so-called Russian ‘veterans,’ who are in fact war criminals, subsequently try to spend time in Europe. They must be deprived of this right because they pose a direct threat,” Sybiha said.
The minister emphasized that Ukraine had already raised the issue with European partners and was seeing progress toward restricting entry and visa issuance for individuals involved in Russia’s military aggression.
-fcce4c16216ebe10e5253bc3ca2d0eb6.png)
“We are seeing progress in restricting their movement, entry, and visa issuance, and we will continue to pursue this issue. There are other creative ideas as well. Russian citizens must pay for supporting this war,” he stated.
Beyond restrictions on individuals, Sybiha also highlighted the security risks posed by Russian organizations operating across Europe, particularly the network of so-called Russian Houses .
According to the minister, Western partners increasingly recognize the threats associated with these organizations, which he accused of facilitating intelligence activities, spreading propaganda, and coordinating operations aimed at destabilizing European countries.
“These are well-known centers of espionage, networks of information propaganda, and coordination hubs for carrying out subversive operations and sabotage. Therefore, they must be clearly assessed and shut down across Europe, as they pose a direct security threat,” Sybiha said.
Ukraine’s push for tougher restrictions comes amid similar calls from Estonia, which has urged the EU to suspend tourist visas for Russian citizens and introduce stricter entry requirements in response to Moscow’s continued aggression.
In a post on X on October 13, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna argued that the bloc’s visa policy should reflect the severity of Russia’s war against Ukraine and form part of broader efforts to increase pressure on Moscow.
“Visa policy must reflect the gravity of Russia’s ongoing aggression. The EU should continue to strengthen pressure on the Kremlin through all available means,” Tsahkna wrote.
Discuss this article:
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
