The head of the diplomacy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, and the spokesperson of the US State Department opposed the proposal to ban Russians from entering the EU.
Source: EU High Representative Josep Borrell and spokesperson of the US State Department
“The US wouldn’t want to close off pathways to refuge and safety for Russia’s dissidents or others who are vulnerable to human rights abuses. We’ve also been clear that it is important to draw a line between the actions of the Russian government and its policies in Ukraine, and the people of Russia,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson added that the US has “worked with Allies and partners to impose costs, including visa restrictions for Kremlin officials and their enablers.”
As of February 24, 2022, the United States has taken measures to impose visa restrictions on nearly 5,000 people in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We will continue to identify individuals involved in Russia’s invasion and help bring them to justice for their behavior. We are looking for all tools to hold the Kremlin accountable,” the spokesman emphasized.
The head of the diplomacy of the European Union also does not support a blanket visa ban for Russian citizens.
“Banning entry to all Russians is not a good idea. We should be more selective,” Borrell said.
Josep Borrell added that the EU should not open its doors to oligarchs, but “there are many Russians who want to flee the country because they do not want to live in such a situation.”
However, a number of European countries that most actively support this initiative have suspended the issuance of Schengen visas to citizens of the Russian Federation (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic), and Finland plans to reduce the number of visas issued by 90%.
See also: Banning Russian citizens from entering the EU may force Putin to end the war, – Ukraine’s President
