Kathmandu: Nearly four years after the start of the Ukraine war, the European Union (EU) has announced a decision to deny multiple-entry visas to Russian citizens, citing heightened security threats across Europe.

Stricter Rules After Drone Strikes and Sabotage

EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said the new visa restrictions were introduced in response to a growing number of drone attacks and sabotage incidents on European soil.
“It is hard to justify attacking Europe and expecting to move around freely,” Kallas remarked, emphasizing that the move was a direct response to Russia’s alleged “hybrid warfare” tactics.

Russians to Reapply for Each Visit

Under the new rules, Russian citizens must apply for a fresh visa for every trip to EU countries. The EU believes that closer and more frequent vetting will help reduce security risks.
However, exceptions will be made for independent journalists, human rights defenders, and other “legitimate cases,” according to Brussels officials.

Pressure from Hardline EU States

Countries with a tough stance on Moscow have long advocated for stricter visa controls, arguing that ordinary Russians should face the consequences of the Kremlin’s aggression in Ukraine.
The EU had already suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia in 2022. Before the war, around 4 million visas were issued to Russian citizens annually — a number that dropped to 500,000 after 2023.
Despite the decline, France, Spain, and Italy remain among the top EU countries issuing visas to Russian travelers.

Opposition Voices Criticism

The decision has drawn criticism from Kremlin opponents, including Yulia Navalnaya, who called the sweeping ban a “serious mistake.”
She argued that the policy would strengthen the Kremlin’s narrative that Europe is hostile to all Russians, urging the EU instead to target Putin’s inner circle rather than impose blanket restrictions on the public.