Cyprus News Agency

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russian combatants and their family members should be banned from entering the European Union to protect Europe's security.

In his statement, Sybiha said, "To protect Europe, close Europe's doors to Russians now." Arguing that Russian combatants and their family members should not be permitted to enter the EU, Sybiha called for effective entry bans to be implemented as soon as possible.

Sybiha recalled that several countries, including Estonia, had already taken similar steps at the national level, stating that such measures were feasible and effective.

Emphasizing the importance of the timing of a joint EU-wide decision, Sybiha claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was recruiting new people off the streets to participate in the war. "Every Russian man recruited to fight against Ukraine must know this: When he signs a contract with the occupying army, he is also signing a ban on entering Europe and the rest of the world," Sybiha said.

Sybiha called for non-essential visas for Russian citizens to be restricted to the greatest extent possible in all European countries, noting that this was a national security issue for every European country.

He also argued that Russian diplomats should not be allowed to move freely across Europe, stating that Russia's attacks against Europe were no longer limited to hybrid methods but were increasing in intensity and scope.

Sybiha said, "This situation requires urgent action. Only strong pressure can stop Putin."