Polish Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has called for enhanced restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats and tightening of Schengen visa protocols for Russian citizens. His remarks come against a backdrop of ongoing hybrid attacks in Europe, indicating a rising concern regarding Russian influence.
During his statement, Sikorski suggested limiting the movements of Russian diplomats to only the countries where they are accredited. He also proposed reducing the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian nationals and implementing biometric checks for Russians entering the EU. Additionally, he emphasized the need to cap the number of Russian diplomats operating within EU member states.
“Russia is attempting to undermine the EU from within and should not benefit from free movement,” Sikorski commented.
According to his assessment, over 2,000 Russian diplomats are currently in the European Union, with estimates suggesting that at least 40% of them are engaged in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed France’s readiness to support further measures as circumstances require.
Context
- Previously, concerns were raised in Europe about the potential threat of a Russian attack on NATO. In early August, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned that the country is targeted daily by hybrid warfare tactics from Russia, including espionage and cyberattacks.
- On August 23, The Telegraph reported, citing Western intelligence sources, that Russia is recruiting criminal organizations for sabotage missions on European defense factories to avoid direct NATO responses.
