Last week, Estonia imposed permanent entry bans on the first 261 Russian combatants who have taken part in the aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine poses a long-term security threat to the whole of Europe, and this is an important step in safeguarding our security.
The ban applies to individuals who are hostile towards Europe and who have combat experience, military training and often also a potential prior criminal background. “The threat they pose is not merely theoretical, but includes both possible acts of sabotage and involvement in organised crime,” Tsahkna said. “The door to the free world must remain closed to them for a long time. At the same time, this must send a clear signal to all similar actors: crimes and violence committed in Ukraine will not be forgotten and will have real and long-term consequences.”
More than one million Russian citizens have taken part in Russia’s armed aggression, including previously convicted criminals transferred from Russian prisons to the front line. Travelling to or settling in the territory of the European Union and the Schengen area poses both a criminal and a security risk. Former combatants are a target group for recruitment by Russian special services and can, if necessary, be used in various hybrid operations.
“Fighters from the aggressor state who have committed atrocities in Ukraine have no place in Estonia or anywhere in the Schengen area,” Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stressed. “These Russian citizens pose a serious security risk and their movement into the free world must be restricted. The 261 individuals will certainly not be the last, and we are working to ensure that entry bans are imposed on as many people as possible who undermine Europe’s security,” he said.
“We hope that other countries will soon follow Estonia’s initiative,” the foreign minister added. “The priority is to establish a unified ban on issuing Schengen visas and European Union residence permits to all identified former Russian combatants.”
Estonia will continue its efforts to ensure that Europe is protected and that aggression is never committed with impunity.
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