EU weighs visa limits, shadow fleet sanctions / The New Voice of Ukraine

The European Union is preparing for a series of meetings to discuss new measures against Moscow, including tighter visa rules for Russian citizens, Bloomberg reported on Sept. 3, citing people familiar with the matter.

Possible steps include restricting the issuance of tourist visas to Russian citizens and imposing stricter travel rules on Russian diplomats within the EU.

“The European Union is exploring new ways to restrict Russians’ travel and halt illicit fuel tankers after Germany blamed Moscow for a failed drone attack at a local airport,” the report said.

“Specific ideas include limiting tourist visas, constraining the movement of Russian diplomats and sanctioning more shadow fleet vessels illicitly moving Russian oil.”

On Sept. 1, the German government officially accused Russia of attempting to carry out a terrorist attack at Leipzig Airport, where Moscow’s agents allegedly targeted a Ukrainian cargo plane with several explosive-laden drones.

On Sept. 2, Deutsche Welle reported that Germany had closed Russia’s consulate general in Bonn following the incident in Leipzig. It was the last such Russian diplomatic mission in Germany. Russian citizens can now receive consular services only at the Russian Embassy in Berlin.

EU weighs visa limits, shadow fleet sanctions in response to Leipzig