Taro: EU begins sanctioning Russian combatants

TALLINN - The European Union has agreed on measures in its 21st sanctions package to impose a ban on short-term EU visas for individuals who have participated in military action against Ukraine, whether in the Russian armed forces or other groups linked to the regime. The decision was made largely at Estonia's initiative.

The new sanctions package includes a decision to impose a visa ban on combatants who have taken part in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Consequently, the European Commission is expected to present proposals this autumn for the swift implementation of a ban to keep Russians who pose a threat to European security out of Europe.

Minister of the Interior Igor Taro noted that beginning the blanket sanctioning of Russian combatants is an important step in preventing and mitigating threats originating from Russia.

"Combatants returning from the war pose a threat to Europe's internal security and public order due to their combat experience, violent and hostile attitudes towards Europe, their allegiance to the Russian regime and special services, and often, a prior criminal record," said Taro.

The interior minister noted that in addition to enhancing European security, it is crucial to recognize this achievement as the result of persistent work by Estonian officials and politicians. "In all recent foreign meetings, we have stressed that for Russian combatants, participating in the war against Ukraine must be their last trip abroad. They have no right to come here later for vacation or shopping, let alone the fact that trained combatants are a real security threat," Taro said.

"Europe has made a very significant and important decision, but our work does not end here. I still believe it's important that until the war of aggression ends, the borders of Europe and the Schengen area remain closed to tourism for all citizens of the aggressor state. This is a matter of values - it is not morally justifiable for Ukrainians to be dying while Russian citizens are having fun in Europe. Russia must feel everywhere that its actions have consequences," the interior minister added.