'Will enter without visas like in 1945': Russian Security Council deputy threatens Europe over Schengen restrictions
Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev (photo: Getty Images)
Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev sharply reacted to an initiative by European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas to ban the entry of Russian military personnel into the Schengen area, Medvedev reports.
In his social media post, he called Kallas a "blonde rat" and stated that Russian troops "can enter it without visas if they want to, like in 1812 or 1945," expressing an ironic attitude toward the European Union's intentions.
He concluded his post with congratulations on Defender of the Fatherland Day.
Medvedev's statement appeared on the same day the EU was considering new sanctions against Russia.
Kaja, the blonde rat, said she was working to ensure that 100s of thousands of former Russian servicemen would never enter Schengen. What a loss for our fighters. Well, they can enter it without visas if they want to. Like in 1812 or 1945. Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day!
— Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) February 23, 2026
Subject of criticism
Earlier, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said that together with the European Commission, they were working on a mechanism that would prevent hundreds of thousands of former Russian soldiers from freely entering the Schengen area.
"We do not want war criminals and saboteurs to roam our streets," she emphasized.
Commenting on plans to restrict the movement of Russian military personnel in Europe, Medvedev called these actions a "loss for our fighters" and stated that they would supposedly always find a way to enter the EU even without visas, comparing the situation to the historical invasions of 1812 and 1945.
This statement underscores the Kremlin's sharp reaction to EU sanctions and restrictions while also demonstrating further escalation of rhetoric by the Russian leadership toward Europe and Ukraine.
On February 6, the European Commission prepared the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported that the sanctions list is planned to be expanded by another 43 vessels of the shadow fleet, bringing the total number to 640.
However, there will be no new EU sanctions by the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine because they were blocked by Slovakia and Hungary.
And on February 21, Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk stated that the adoption of the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia is being blocked by Greece and Malta.
