Since the attack on Ukraine, one million Russians have visited the EU
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky In an interview with the “Washington Post” newspaper in early August, he called on the West to stop issuing visas to all Russians.
Russia from this country since the start of a full-scale war against Ukraine at the end of February European Union up to one million Russians to the (EU) territory trip did. This was reported by the “dpa” agency of the European border and coast he writes with reference to the protection agency – Frontex.
From February 24 to August 22, 998 thousand 85 Russians crossed the border of the EU, “dpa” reports with reference to the representative of Frontex. In the last week, there has been a slight decrease in the number of Russians going to the EU.
Russia Since the beginning of the occupation, a number of EU members have either stopped or restricted visas to Russians. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic have taken this step. Finland will join them from September, while Poland is considering such a measure. Denmark wants a common European decision on the issue of visas to Russians. These countries are also in favor of a complete ban on the issuance of Schengen tourist visas to Russians.
Some EU members, including Germany, Greece, Hungary and Portugal do not support this idea. of the EU on Foreign Affairs higher Representative Jozep Borrel is also against the ban on issuing visas to Russians.
Bloomberg news gives a “compromise option” to the bloc members of the Czech Republic, which currently holds the EU presidency offer will do – not to stop issuing visas, but Russia and completely simplified issuance of Schengen visas to citizens of Belarus cancellation make.
If this rule goes into effect, Russians and Belarusians will be able to apply for visas as before. However, they will have to submit more documents, the application processing period will be extended, and the visa fee will increase from 35 euros to 80 euros.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky In an interview with the “Washington Post” newspaper in early August, he called on the West to stop issuing visas to all Russians. Zelensky “Don’t influence Putin” Ukraine in the area military ceasing operations is the “only way” he called.
This offer a wide public discussion has started around it. The issue will be discussed at the EU Council meeting at the end of August.