Ukrainian Foreign Minister asks the EU to ban Russian tourists from entering its territory

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba today asked the EU to ban Russian tourists from entering its territory, calling the measure appropriate since a majority of Russians support Moscow’s “genocidal war of aggression” against Kiev.

“The time for half measures is over,” Kouleba told Reuters as EU foreign ministers are expected to meet today in Prague for a second day of talks. “Only a tough and consistent policy can produce results,” Kuleba added.

Ministers are expected to agree to suspend a visa facilitation agreement with Moscow, meaning Russians will have to wait longer and pay more for visas as the EU is likely to remains divided on an absolute travel ban.

“A visa ban on Russian tourists and some other charges will be a fitting response to Russia’s genocidal war of aggression in the heart of Europe supported by an overwhelming majority of Russian citizens,” Kuleba said in an emailed statement. mail to Reuters.

The Ukrainian foreign minister also suggested starting a special program for Russian soldiers who no longer want to fight in Ukraine.

“(The message is): Save yourselves and leave. Lay down your arms, surrender to Ukrainian forces and take a chance to start a new life,” Kuleba noted.

“I am convinced that this proposal is worth making, because even if a Russian soldier lays down his arms and decides to leave, it means that Ukrainian lives are saved and we are closer to peace,” Kuleba added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged Russian soldiers to leave the battle to save themselves after the offensive launched by Ukrainian forces to retake southern Ukraine. However, Moscow announced that it had repulsed the attack and that it had inflicted heavy losses on Kiev’s forces.

SOURCE: AMPE

Source: Capital

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