EU to tighten visa rules for Russians but split on travel ban

France and Germany warned that it would be counterproductive to ban ordinary Russians. This move was supported by Kyiv as a response to Russia's invasion. The agreement's suspension was a compromise reached at the two-day ministers meeting in Prague.

One senior diplomat from the European Union stated that "suspension is almost certain"

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock argued against going any further. She stated that it was crucial not to punish dissidents trying to leave Russia.

France and Germany issued a joint memo warning against imposing visa restrictions that go too far in order to stop Russia's narrative feeding and trigger unintended rallies around the flag effects, and/or estrange future generations.

Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, quickly rejected the idea that traveling to the West would change Russian minds. He stated that Moscow had fought a brief battle with Georgia and annexed Crimea after securing easier EU visas.

He stated that Russia has not been transformed by travel to the EU. "To transform Russia closes the doors on Russian tourists."

The Nordic and Eastern countries strongly support a ban on tourist visas. Some said that they would be willing to apply for a regional visa ban if there is no agreement at EU level.

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuanian foreign minister, stated that if all 27 EU countries fail in their efforts to reach an agreement, then a regional solution may be sought for those countries most affected by Russian tourists.

Separately, EU defense ministers met in Prague on Tuesday (30 August) to discuss the less controversial step to prepare a joint EU mission for training Ukrainian troops.

Josep Borrell, EU foreign policy chief, said to reporters that there are many training programs on the horizon but that the need is immense and that they must work together.

The Kremlin dismissed talk of a ban on tourist visas as "irrational".

Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, said that the West's calls for a ban on visas was an example of its "anti-Russian agenda". "Step by Step, unfortunately, both Brussels as well as individual European capitals are showing an absolute lack of reasoning."

Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, has drastically reduced the number of visas it gives them.

Estonia, which was the first EU country to do this, closed its borders to over 50,000 Russians earlier this month.