Good Russians Only: EU Finally Updates Its Fairy Tale Visa Policy
Фото: spravdi.gov.ua
Source: Author’s Facebook page
The European Commission has decided to tighten visa rules for Russian citizens, abolishing multiple-entry visas and introducing stricter verification and control procedures for all applications — a move that finally signals Brussels’ readiness to turn symbolic condemnation into practical restrictions.
“From now on, Russian citizens will no longer be able to obtain multiple-entry visas. This means they will have to apply for a new visa each time they plan to travel to the EU.”
Under the new rules, EU member states may also shorten the validity of already issued multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russian citizens.
The reason: systemic security threats posed by Russians — ongoing drone provocations and acts of sabotage on European soil.
“Starting a war and still expecting free movement across Europe is hard to justify. We are facing an unprecedented number of drone incidents and sabotage within the EU. We have a duty to protect our citizens. From now on, stricter rules will apply to Russian nationals applying for EU visas. Travel to and within the EU is a privilege, not a right,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
This decision has literally torn the “good Russians” apart. Panic spread instantly. Dozens of outraged posts flooded the internet — all in the same indignant tone. Russian officials joined in the chorus of lamentation. Even Milonov from the State Duma couldn’t resist, while the ever-predictable Latynina lashed out at Ukrainians and EU allies, warning of “consequences.”
Latynina declared:
“The main consequences of the EU’s decision to ban multi-visas for Russians: … these people … have now been slapped in the face with a boot and told — you, genetic slaves, know your place. … Before our eyes, a revolution is taking place in the attitude of the Russian elite and business toward the West. … And its results may unpleasantly surprise the EU in a few years.”
Former head of the so-called Anti-Corruption Foundation and Navalny ally Leonid Volkov was equally distraught, claiming that these visas were “a lifeline for many courageous activists who continue to work in Russia” — that is, those who still pay taxes funding the war against Ukraine. He added that switching to single-entry visas “deprives them of the ability to urgently leave Russia in case of problems.”
And finally, State Duma deputy Vitaly Milonov theatrically lamented:
“The EC initiative will primarily hit opposition-minded citizens and opponents of the special military operation. Kallas has struck the snout with a pig’s hoof at this stinking mass of ‘non-combatants,’ all those … boys who were promising mobilization.”
— The crocodile tears are impressive, but the EU’s message couldn’t be clearer: if you start a war, don’t expect to vacation in Nice.
“Journalist” Sergei Parkhomenko reacted in his usual tone of offended superiority, calling the EU’s decision “an act completely remarkable for its stupidity, inefficiency, and frank, even demonstrative helplessness.” He added that the European Commission’s exception for “correct” journalists and activists from Russia would, in fact, serve as a “certificate of unreliability” for them in the eyes of Russian authorities.
Indeed, the new EU rules do include limited exceptions — for some justified cases: independent journalists and human rights defenders, representatives of public organizations (categories under which “good Russians” usually disguise themselves), other so-called “vulnerable Russians,” and their family members. The same applies to “relatives of EU residents and citizens” — that is, Russians who have already managed to obtain European residence permits or passports.
Still, the overall trend is unmistakably positive. Europe is finally beginning to grasp the obvious: Putin is not the sole source of the problem. Ordinary Russians — those who silently supported, justified, or financed this war — are themselves a very real threat.
Yes, the restrictions are still mild and partial: single-entry visas instead of a complete halt to visa issuance. But the direction is clear. Europe’s patience is finite, and its awakening has begun. Sadly, it may take another Russian strike — on Narva, the Suwałki Corridor, or another EU border — before Brussels fully abandons its illusions about “good Russians.”
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