Russian nationals have crossed the Lithuanian border 130,000 times since the start of the Ukraine war in late February, Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has said, arguing for measures to restrict Russians’ access to the EU.
“Over 130,000 Russian citizens with a Russian passport and a Schengen visa have crossed the Lithuanian border since the start of the war,” the minister told reporters.
After EU foreign ministers agreed on August 31 to suspend a visa facilitation agreement with Russia, but not put a blanket ban on Schengen tourist visas for all Russian nationals, the Baltic States, Poland and Finland were planning to come up with a regional solution.
“The five countries will hold the first meetings next week. We expect to find a common agreement,” Landsbergis said.
Potential measures include “additional questions for those crossing the border” and warning Russian travellers in advance as to “what groups of passengers will be let through: humanitarian visa holders and diplomats”, he added.
According to the minister, Russians currently hold a total of 12 million valid Schengen visas.
Commenting on the agreement to end the facilitated visa regime for Russian citizens, Landsbergis said that this would not only make visas more expensive and extend waiting times, but would also allow consuls to “check those who apply (for visas) very carefully by asking additional questions”.
Plans to impose restrictions on Russian tourists in Europe mark the latest attempt by the bloc’s member states to pressure Moscow to end its war in Ukraine. (LRT/Business World Magazine)
