Copyright news18
The European Union on Friday announced that Russian nationals will no longer be granted multi-entry visas, citing rising security concerns nearly four years into the war in Ukraine. “Starting a war and expecting to move freely in Europe is hard to justify,” EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said on X. She added that the EU was tightening visa rules for Russians amid ongoing drone incidents and sabotage on European soil. Under the new regulations, Russian travellers will now need to apply for a fresh visa every time they plan to enter the EU. Brussels said the measure would allow authorities to closely scrutinise applications and reduce potential security risks. Exceptions will be made in “justified cases such as independent journalists and human rights defenders,” the EU added. The move comes as fears of Russian “hybrid warfare” have grown, following airspace incursions and unexplained drone sightings in several European countries. Last month, the EU also tightened travel rules for Russian diplomats stationed across the 27-member bloc. Some EU countries, particularly those favouring a hard line against Moscow, have long argued that ordinary Russians should not be able to travel freely while the conflict continues. In 2022, the EU suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia and asked member states to “deprioritise” Russian visa applications. Visa numbers have already fallen sharply since the start of the war, from more than four million before 2022 to around 500,000 in 2023. However, EU diplomats say approvals have begun to rise again, with France, Spain, and Italy issuing the most visas to Russian nationals. While supporters of the stricter measures believe they will increase pressure on Moscow, Kremlin critics have warned against isolating ordinary Russians. Opposition figure Yulia Navalnaya said in September that broad restrictions could play into the Kremlin’s narrative that Europe is hostile to all Russians. She urged the EU to target Russian elites instead, saying, “For the purpose of achieving peace in Europe it is counterproductive to assist Russian authorities in isolating Russian society.” (With inputs from AFP)
