Ukraine's top diplomat urges Europe to close its borders to Russians
Andrii Sybiha, Foreign Minister of Ukraine (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Europe must impose genuine bans on Russians entering its territory to help stop the war against Ukraine and protect its own citizens, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.
"To protect Europe, close the European door to Russians now. Russian combatants and their family members should not be allowed to enter the EU. We need real entry bans as soon as possible," the minister stressed.
He noted that similar measures are already in place at the national level, particularly in Estonia.
According to Ukraine's top diplomat, these measures are genuinely effective and enforceable.
Sybiha added that a Europe-wide decision would be particularly timely now, as Russian President Vladimir Putin "is grabbing new cannon fodder off the streets."
"Every Russian man recruited to fight against Ukraine should know: by signing a contract with the invading army, he is also signing a ban on entering Europe and the rest of the world. Non-essential visas for Russian nationals must be restricted to the maximum extent across all European states," Ukraine's foreign minister stressed.
Sybiha believes this is a matter of national security for every European country.
He also noted that Russian diplomats should not be allowed to move freely around Europe.
"Russia's attacks on Europe are no longer merely hybrid. They are growing in intensity and scale. This demands urgent action. Only tough pressure can stop Putin," the minister warned.
As previously reported, Europe is preparing restrictions on Russians entering its territory over the threat of hybrid attacks.
The media also reported on a warning from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said that a serious escalation in Russia's hybrid war against Europe could occur soon.
