Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on European countries to introduce real entry bans for Russian citizens at the EU-wide level, primarily for military personnel and members of their families. He wrote about this on Sunday, October 18, in a post on the social network X, referenced by RBC-Ukraine and European Pravda. According to the minister, such measures are necessary to protect Europe and ensure the safety of its own citizens amidst the ongoing war against Ukraine.
"Real Entry Bans" as a Tool of Pressure
"To protect Europe, close European borders to Russians now. Russian combatants and their families must not have the right to enter the EU. We need to introduce real entry bans as soon as possible," Sybiha stressed. He explained that this is not about declarative restrictions, but about concrete mechanisms that, in his belief, are entirely feasible and effective. The minister also called for maximally restricting the issuance of non-essential travel visas to Russian citizens across all European countries, stating that every Russian man who signs a contract with the army "simultaneously agrees to a ban on entering Europe and the rest of the world."
National Experience and the Issue of Diplomats
Arguing for the feasibility of the initiative, Sybiha pointed out that similar measures are already in effect at the national level—specifically in Estonia. The head of Ukrainian diplomacy added that Russian diplomats should not be allowed to move freely across Europe. According to him, this concerns the national security of every European state rather than being a symbolic gesture. Sybiha also linked the call to his assessment that Vladimir Putin is "recruiting new 'cannon fodder' on the streets," making a pan-European decision especially relevant right now.
Hybrid Attacks and Escalation
Separately, the minister emphasized that, in his assessment, Russia's attacks on Europe "are no longer limited to hybrid operations," and their intensity and scale are growing. "This requires immediate action. Only tough pressure can stop Putin," Sybiha stated. His call came amid reports that Europe is preparing restrictions on the entry of Russians due to the threat of hybrid attacks, as well as warnings from European leaders about a potential serious escalation of Russia's hybrid war against Europe.
Broader Context: The Fight for the Information Space
The call to close borders fits into a broader course of Ukrainian diplomacy aimed at limiting the Russian presence in Europe. Previously, Sybiha stated that Ukraine had officially appealed to the governments of several countries to restrict the activities and completely close the Russian cultural centers "Russian House," which, according to him, are used as instruments of disinformation and espionage. Thus, the issue of entry restrictions and visa policy becomes part of a comprehensive approach to countering Russian influence within the EU.
