The Russian Foreign Ministry warned Europe about the consequences of visa restrictions for Russians

The tightening of the visa regime for Russian citizens will primarily harm European countries themselves. This was announced on October 29 by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko.

"They have always stated publicly that they consider sanctions not as a punishment of the Russian people, but as a way to encourage Russia to change its behavior in the international arena. But if they impose sanctions, if they ban the issuance of visas to all citizens of the Russian Federation, who are they punishing? First of all, they punish themselves," the diplomat said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Grushko recalled that European countries had previously stated that the sanctions were not aimed at Russian citizens, but were intended to influence Moscow's policy. According to him, a possible ban on issuing visas to Russians would contradict these statements.

Indefinite challenge: Russia initiates negotiations on permanent visa-free travel with China

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping may discuss this issue during the APEC summit in November.

On October 17, Dirk Gotink, a member of the European Parliament, called for a complete ban on issuing visas to Russian citizens during the conflict in Ukraine. He added that it is not difficult to implement this measure. Gotink also called on the EU to increase pressure on the Russian elite to perceive the conflict in Ukraine as a problem affecting its interests.