The “clarifications” provided by the European Commission regarding the earlier imposed ban on bringing goods from Russia into the EU are just another anti-Russia move. The ban on direct air travel, the tightening of visa practices, and now these “clarifications” on sanctions, which are beyond the pale, are aimed at causing harm to ordinary Russians, essentially making it impossible for Russian citizens to enter the European Union. It is now abundantly clear that the current leadership of the EU is desperate to drop a new Iron Curtain in Europe by keeping people-to-people contacts to the minimum.
We view this as a deliberate action by the European Commission aimed at introducing legal ambiguity and a blatant provocation of the EU member states to step up discrimination against Russians based on their nationality. Even though the European Commission has hastily removed its initial “clarifications” on this matter from public domain, the latest version does not fundamentally change the gist of the issue or the objective of this initiative.
Due to the high number of inquiries coming from Russian citizens and compatriots abroad, we once again emphasise the need to carefully assess all risks when planning trips abroad and staying in unfriendly countries. Pay close attention to notices provided by the Foreign Ministry and Russian foreign missions, and exercise increased vigilance and composure. Keep in mind that when crossing a border, individuals voluntarily submit themselves to foreign jurisdiction, which implies an obligation to abide by the laws and regulations of the host country.
The Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Management Centre operates around the clock. Russian citizens who find themselves in difficult situations abroad can provide the necessary information by calling +7 (495) 695-4545 or emailing dskc@mid.ru. It is also recommended to seek assistance from Russian-speaking lawyers who can provide practical help in challenging situations. Lists of lawyers are available on the ministry and consular department’s websites (https://www.kdmid.ru), the Crisis Management Centre (https://dskc.mid.ru), and foreign missions.
The Foreign Ministry and Russian foreign missions will closely monitor the situation in real time and determine further actions with regard to each specific country based on the analysis of the actions taken by its official representatives. Capitals of EU member states should be fully aware of the fact that attempting to hide behind Brussels and invoking the so-called EU “solidarity,” which so blatantly tramples on human rights, will not help them. Every specific country that is taking such steps will have to answer for its policy of targeted violation of the rights of Russian nationals and compatriots.
