The European Union will no longer issue multiple-entry visas to Russian citizens in a move to increase pressure on Moscow over the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Moscow Times reports.

The move follows previous restrictions and is intended to counter Russian sabotage, disinformation or drone attacks, according to the Commission. Critics warn, however, that ordinary citizens with no ties to Putin, including those who have fled Russia to escape the crackdown, will be hit first and foremost.

In 2025, Russian citizens received around 552 thousand Schengen visas, most from Italy, France and Spain.

By contrast, the Baltic countries continue to apply an almost total ban on entry. In December, the Commission plans to present a new strategy to strengthen the use of visa policy as a geopolitical tool.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has described the move as discriminatory.

(mja)