Russian ex-combatants who are fighting or have fought against Ukraine since early 2022 are set to be slapped with an EU visa-entry ban later this year, possibly by October.
“It is a very important measure also in terms of security for Europe,” said an EU official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The proposal is part of a much larger 21st sanctions package against Russia, agreed and published on Thursday (24 July). It will apply only to short-stay visas, following objections from Italy and France who are worried about maintaining lucrative tourist flows.
Italy had issued over 160,000 Schengen area visas at its two Russian consulates last year – almost 8,900 more than in 2024, while France issued over 156,000 visas (32,657 more than last year, representing a 26 percent increase).
The original proposal had included anyone affiliated with the Russian armed forces. But France and Italy insisted the ban only apply to combatants.
