Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned this Monday to demand that Russian citizens be banned from entering European Union (EU) countries, barring justified exceptions.
“This is a 100% Russian war, not just Putin’s war. They (the Russian population) chose this man (Vladimir Putin). These people do not offer any resistance to what he is doing,” Zelensky said.
Thus, the President of Ukraine reinforced the request, which he had repeatedly made during his absentee speech from Kyiv at the “Strategic Forum” in the Slovenian city of Bled, to the issue of the possibility of sanctioning a significant part of Russian citizens for invading Ukraine.
Zelenskiy advocates that EU visas should only be issued to Russians persecuted for their political views, asylum seekers or peace activists.
“Those who go to the EU to do business, engage in tourism, rich families who send their children to the EU to study, those who buy real estate and companies … They should not be able to spread their influence,” he stressed. .
The Ukrainian leader argued that in addition to the leadership of the state, there are thousands of other Russian citizens who, at the very least, remain silent in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine, while others support the war, sow hatred or directly participate in the massacre of Ukrainians.
Zelenskiy once again denounced that Moscow has no intention of negotiating a peace or ceasefire and that his country will continue to fight until it can restore and guarantee its territorial integrity and freedom.
Several EU leaders have spoken out in favor of a visa ban for Russian tourists, an issue on which there is currently no consensus but will be discussed at an informal Foreign Affairs Council starting Tuesday in Prague.
The Czech Republic, which has a rotating EU presidency this semester, is among the partners advocating maximum visa restrictions for Russians, while others such as Germany oppose such a measure.
Both positions were confirmed on Monday in Prague by the heads of government of the two countries.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
