Germany urges EU to cut Russians’ holiday visas after sabotage attacks
Belarusian said to have had tourist visa issued by Italy is investigated over alleged attempt to attack Leipzig airport
TL;DR
- Germany is calling for tighter EU restrictions on tourist visas for Russian citizens following recent sabotage attacks blamed on Moscow.
- A Belarusian national with a Russian passport is being investigated for an alleged drone attack on Leipzig airport, having obtained an Italian tourist visa.
- Germany's foreign ministry states that the number of tourist visas issued to Russians by the EU is too high and contradicts the spirit of sanctions related to the Ukraine war.
- Italy, France, and Spain received three-quarters of all Russian visa applications, with Italy issuing significantly more visas to Belarusians and Russians in recent years.
- Germany has implemented retaliatory measures against Russia, including closing its consulate in Bonn and tightening monitoring of Russian oil shipments.
- The EU has announced its 22nd package of sanctions and is expanding its list of Russians banned from entering the bloc.
- Several EU countries, such as Estonia and Finland, have already significantly reduced or stopped issuing visas to Russian citizens.
- Security experts warn of enormous security risks, stating that free movement for Russians via visas is being exploited for espionage and sabotage.
- Some anti-war activists suggest that Russian intelligence services are shifting tactics, recruiting individuals remotely rather than relying on operatives entering the EU on visas.