Kallas: EU states back tougher visa rules for Russian citizens
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said member states widely support banning visas for former Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine and tightening visa rules for other Russian citizens. The statement follows an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Ireland and Germany's accusation that Russia was behind a drone incident at Leipzig airport.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said on Wednesday that a proposal to ban visas for former Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine, along with tightening visa issuance rules for Russian citizens more broadly, has gained wide support among EU member states. She made the statement following an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland, which was also attended by the foreign ministers of Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
Kallas stressed that attempts to intimidate Europe would not succeed.
Context: the Leipzig airport incident
The discussion came a day after the German government publicly accused Russia of attempting to orchestrate sabotage at Leipzig airport, where explosive-laden drones were found in August. EU states and the UK have expressed solidarity with Germany. Germany's Foreign Ministry said the number of leisure visas currently issued to Russian citizens for the EU is excessive and called on other member states to further reduce visa issuance, granting visas only to those who pose no threat.
Investigation ongoing
In connection with the Leipzig incident, German authorities have identified two suspects: a Latvian citizen of Russian origin, allegedly linked to Russian intelligence services, and a man holding a Russian passport from Belarus who entered Germany on an Italian-issued tourist visa. Investigators found DNA traces near the airport on drones and on an antenna apparently used to boost signals for the devices, which were matched to cases recorded elsewhere in Europe. Authorities remain skeptical about the prospect of holding the suspects accountable, noting that in past similar cases suspects had already left Europe by the time they were identified.
