The EU has put new restrictions on visas for Russians. Moscow immediately commented on the announcement
Maria Zakharova. Photo source: Maxim Shemetov / AFP / Profimedia
The European Union has adopted stricter rules on visas for Russian citizens, the measure being taken in view of “the use of migration as a weapon, acts of sabotage and the potential misuse of visas”, reports Reuters
Russian citizens will no longer be able to benefit from multiple-entry visas and will have to apply for a new visa every time they travel to the EU, according to a statement from the European Commission.
Brussels stated that the purpose of this decision is to protect public policy and security.
There will be limited exceptions for dissidents, independent journalists and human rights defenders.
“Starting a war and expecting to move freely around Europe is hard to justify,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X.
“EU tightens visa rules for Russian citizens amid continued drone disruption and sabotage on European soil. EU travel is a privilege, not a right.”
Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry immediately responded to this information in a statement quoted by TASS.
“Apparently, Europe does not need creditworthy tourists when there are migrants and people from Ukraine who avoid getting visas,” Zakharova said.
