Analysis and Expert Commentary on the Possible Russia Visa Ban: Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal for European countries to stop granting tourist visas to Russian citizens, European Union countries can’t make up their minds on whether the idea would be effective.
Some European leaders have also expressed concern that punishing ordinary Russian citizens would be inappropriate, even though polls have repeatedly shown that a majority of Russians support Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Finland First to Block Russian Visas
Finland became the first European country to restrict the number of Russian tourist visas in response to Zelenskyy’s calls for Europe to increase pressure on Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine.
The Finnish foreign ministry revealed on Tuesday how the country will approve only 100 Russian visa applications per month, a 90% reduction over the 1,000 per month usually approved by the government.
Following the announcement, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto called for other countries to follow suit.
“If you want to further limit the flow of tourists, it would be good to agree on it together,” the Finnish official said. The comments were echoed by Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who said that Finland alone cannot stop the influx of Russian tourists into Europe.
Government officials in other European countries have expressed willingness to restrict access, but no European Union-wide decision has yet been made.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stressed the importance of all 26 Schengen Zone countries – which allow freedom of movement across their borders – agreeing to an EU-wide policy by reminding other leaders that Estonia cannot ban anyone from entering the country if they hold a visa from another Schengen Zone country.
“Visiting Europe is a privilege, not a human right,” Kallas said.
Germany, Cyprus, and Greece Oppose the Measure
Cyprus and Greece announced their opposition to banning Russian tourist visas this week. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also objected to the plans, expressing concern that the move would punish ordinary people and those fleeing the country. Scholz said that while sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle are important, European countries must “also understand that there are a lot of people fleeing from Russia because they disagree with the Russian regime.”
A senior German diplomat disagreed with the chancellor’s message, however, telling CNN that the argument is factually incorrect.“Anyone can apply for a humanitarian visa,” the unnamed diplomat said, adding that Scholz was simply trying to “balance his own party which is split between those who want dialogue with Russia and those who want to appear hard.”
Scholz’s comments also stand in stark contrast to what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has to say on the matter, having told European countries to consider banning all Russian citizens from traveling to Europe.
During an address on national television last week, the Ukrainian president defended his proposal to block access for all Russians, regardless of their position on the war.
“But we must remember that when evil takes on such proportions, people’s silence approaches the level of complicity. And the rejection of the real fight against evil becomes the assistance to it,” the Ukrainian president said.
“Therefore, if you have Russian citizenship and you are silent, it means that you are not fighting, it means that you are supporting it. And no matter where you are – both on the territory of Russia and abroad – your voice should sound in support of Ukraine, and therefore against this war.”
European Union foreign ministers are expected to meet to discuss visa restrictions on August 31.
What the Experts Told 19FortyFive
“A Russia visa ban makes a lot of sense as it could clearly make Russians feel the pain of Putin’s war, as many have been insulated from its overall impact,” explained Harry J. Kazianis, President of the Rogue States Project and a former member of the 2016 Ted Cruz for President Russia working group. “Anything that can make Putin feel more pain over time will help end this bloody conflict and save lives.”
Jack Buckby is a British author, counter-extremism researcher, and journalist based in New York. Reporting on the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., he works to analyze and understand left-wing and right-wing radicalization, and reports on Western governments’ approaches to the pressing issues of today. His books and research papers explore these themes and propose pragmatic solutions to our increasingly polarized society.
