Baltic, Nordic States and Poland Push for Schengen Ban on Russians Who Fought in Ukraine

In a move to strengthen regional and EU-wide security, Poland, the Baltic states, and the Nordic countries are advocating for a ban on Russian nationals who have participated in military actions against Ukraine.

The proposal aims to block these individuals from entering the Schengen Area, citing serious concerns over security and the integrity of the bloc.

During a meeting of interior ministers held on June 19, officials from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, and other Nordic countries discussed the potential for implementing travel restrictions on Russian nationals who have served in the war against Ukraine. These discussions reflect growing anxiety among Schengen members who share geographical proximity to Russia and have faced heightened security threats linked to the conflict.

“There are hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens who have fought against Ukraine. We must take a clear stance; these individuals cannot freely travel across Schengen,” said Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro, underscoring the urgency behind the proposal.

Countries like Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland have already tightened regulations for Russian nationals, particularly in the wake of increased hybrid threats and espionage risks. These new measures aim to expand those restrictions, ensuring that individuals affiliated with Russian military operations cannot gain access to or reside within the Schengen zone.

According to Estonia’s national broadcaster ERR, the joint initiative seeks to formally prohibit the issuance of visas and residence permits to any Russian citizens known to have participated in the war. “We will not issue them residence permits or visas. This group, which has been killing and destroying, poses a very significant security threat to all of us,” Taro stated firmly.

The push for this ban comes amid escalating concerns about Russian hybrid operations targeting EU member states. European intelligence agencies have issued repeated warnings about Russian involvement in arson, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns—an evolving threat landscape that has further solidified calls for a unified response.

In a joint statement released after the meeting, the interior ministers of the involved countries emphasized the need for decisive action. “Member States should take all necessary measures to ensure that individuals who are or have been contracted by the Russian armed forces or other armed groups acting on behalf of the regime are not allowed to undermine our security or move freely within the Schengen Area,” the statement read.

Despite ongoing EU sanctions and tightened visa policies from several Schengen countries, Russians continue to rank among the top five nationalities applying for Schengen visas in 2024. The growing number of applications further fuels the urgency of implementing strict controls on those with military affiliations.

With this latest initiative, the Baltic, Nordic, and Polish governments are urging the rest of the Schengen bloc to adopt a cohesive and firm policy—ensuring that individuals involved in aggression against Ukraine cannot exploit freedom of movement within Europe. 

By fLEXI tEAM