EU Neighbors Seek Ban on Russians Who Fought in Ukraine
In a decisive move to strengthen regional security, the interior ministers of the Baltic and Nordic countries—along with Poland—have called for a Schengen-wide ban on Russian nationals who participated in the war against Ukraine.
The proposal, announced during a high-level meeting held on June 19, aims to prevent these individuals from entering the Schengen Area. The ministers argue that allowing Russian combatants unrestricted access to European territory poses a direct threat to national and regional security.
“There are hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens who have fought against Ukraine. We must take a clear stance; these individuals cannot freely travel across Schengen,” said Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro.
Security at the Core of the Proposed Restrictions
According to reporting by ERR (Estonian Public Broadcasting), the participating countries are united in their commitment to deny visas and residence permits to any Russian nationals identified as having fought in Ukraine. This would further restrict Russian access to the Schengen Area, which has already been reduced due to sanctions and travel bans linked to the ongoing conflict.
Taro emphasized that the move is necessary to protect citizens and maintain the security of the European Union.
“We will not issue them residence permits or visas. This group, which has been killing and destroying, poses a very significant security threat to all of us,” he stated.
Broader Context and EU Security Concerns
The proposed ban comes amid increasing concern over Russia's hybrid threats targeting the EU. Security agencies have repeatedly warned of covert Russian-linked operations within member states, including cyberattacks and suspected arson attempts.
Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania have already implemented stricter visa policies toward Russian citizens in recent months. All of these nations share borders or close geographic proximity with Russia, intensifying the need for heightened vigilance.
Joint Appeal to the European Union
In a joint statement released after the ministerial meeting, the countries urged fellow Schengen states to adopt similar restrictions and support a unified front.
“Member States should take all necessary measures to ensure that individuals who are or have been contracted by the Russian armed forces or other armed groups acting on behalf of the regime are not allowed to undermine our security or move freely within the Schengen Area,” the statement reads.
Despite ongoing EU sanctions, Russian nationals continue to apply for Schengen visas in large numbers. According to SchengenVisaInfo, Russians ranked fifth among the top visa applicants to the region in 2024.
As the EU continues to evaluate its long-term stance on Russia, this proposed policy marks a significant step toward tightening border controls and reaffirming solidarity with Ukraine.
Source: Schengen.News
