The European Commission proposes to ban entry into the EU for all Russian military personnel
The restrictions will be extended to other participants in hostilities on the side of the Russian Federation; the proposal is still under consideration by EU institutions
On Tuesday, 9 June, in Brussels, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced that a proposal has been added to the draft of the 21st EU sanctions package against Russia to ban entry to European Union countries for all persons who took part in the war against Ukraine on the side of the Russian Federation.
According to the head of the Commission, for the first time the restrictions could apply to anyone who has served in the Russian armed forces since the start of the full-scale invasion, which expands the circle of potential sanctioned individuals compared with previous packages.
“For the first time we are proposing to ban entry to the European Union for anyone who has served in the Russian armed forces since the start of the war,” — stressed President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
She also outlined the political purpose of the initiative, emphasizing that the European Union must remain closed to all those involved in the aggression against Ukraine in order to increase pressure on Russia and its war machine.
The proposed entry ban is included in the 21st sanctions package, which is currently under consideration at the level of European institutions and envisages further steps of coordination between EU bodies.
If adopted, the new restrictions will apply to Russian servicemen and other combatants who fought against Ukraine, effectively cutting off their ability to cross the borders of European Union member states.
