Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu calls for harsher visa rules for Russians
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu proposed restricting Schengen visa issuance to Russian citizens as part of a broader package of sanctions in response to Moscow’s aggression. He raised the idea during a meeting in Kiev with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, indicating that additional measures would be needed to raise the political and economic costs of the war. The minister emphasized that the European Union must intensify isolation of Russia while the invasion continues, noting an upcoming difficult winter and warning that Russia could exploit the period to fracture Western unity.
Reinsalu also pointed to Russia’s explicit support for policies aimed at dismantling the Ukrainian state and highlighted parallels with pressures seen in neighboring Latvia, where authorities have pressed for entry documentation that condemns the invasion as a condition of entry. He stated that there is no fatigue in political backing for Ukraine among Western allies and underscored the need for steadfast unity in the face of persistent aggression.
Entry to Latvia
Latvia’s official press outlets reported a temporary suspension of several agreements with Moscow, including elements of economic cooperation and simplified travel for residents in border regions. From mid May, Latvia halted agreements on preventing double taxation and the transfer of social protections for military pensioners and their families who reside in Latvia. This move aligns with broader measures aimed at signaling discontent with Russian actions and supporting a stronger stance within the European Union.
Former Latvian foreign affairs officials reiterated calls for a ban on tourist visas for Russian citizens. The administration cited concerns about public opinion in Latvia and the presence of Russian nationals, arguing that limiting visa access would contribute to a sharper political response to Russia’s actions.
Russian citizens entering Latvian territory are expected to sign a document condemning the special operation in Ukraine; failure to do so would prevent entry. Riga argued that these steps reflect the desire of local residents for greater accountability and a more resolute Western response to Moscow’s policies.
Entry to Finland
Finnish officials stated that visa practices in the Schengen area should be aligned with EU sanctions and that a discussion would take place at an informal EU foreign ministers meeting at the end of summer. The aim is to ensure that visa issuances are limited to essential cases such as family visits, work, or study in Finland. The fastest route to reducing tourist visa numbers, according to Finnish authorities, is to tighten appointment access at diplomatic missions.
Survey data cited in Finnish media showed substantial public support for halting tourist visas to Russian nationals, with a notable majority backing the shift, and a smaller portion remaining undecided.
Public and diplomatic responses
Several EU member states have enacted visa restrictions in addition to halting direct flights from Russia. While the bloc has not yet achieved universal consensus on a full EU-wide visa ban, individual countries continue to implement tighter controls. Russian officials have urged the EU to reconsider these moves and warned that Moscow is prepared for possible responses should the visa policies become more restrictive. The Russian Foreign Ministry indicated it expects Moscow to be ready for any developments in the visa landscape and noted that hostile actions would be met with proportional responses.