Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday restrict visa issuance in the countries of the European Union (EU) it considers “not friendly”in addition to Norway, Switzerland, Denmark and Iceland.
The presidential decree ordered the partial suspension of the visa simplification agreement signed with the EU on May 25, 2006.
The retaliatory measures taken by Moscow will affect official delegation and journalistsas reported by the Kremlin in a statement: the need to pay for the issuance of visas for official delegations, members of government and parliaments was reintroduced.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Photo: AFP
It also ordered the Russian Foreign Ministry and other agencies to restrict the entry of “foreign citizens and stateless persons. commit evil actions against Russiaits citizens or its legal entities “.
revenge of Moscow
Such a step is expected, after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said last week that Russia was preparing retaliation against countries that have implemented economic sanctions against Moscow, or join them.
Entry into Russia has been limited for some time, as Russian airlines have been banned from US, UK, and European Union airspace.
“I think this step will expand the tools to influence different categories of foreigners. First of all, against those involved in crimes against Russian citizens abroad. Second, those who unjustly commit legal prosecution against our people. And finally, those who make unreasonable decisions that violate the legitimate rights and interests of citizens and organizations of the Russian Federation, ”Lavrov explained at the time.
Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the Russian Security Council. Photo: AP
Last month, it was approved by the Russian government a list of “unfriendly” countriesthis includes the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ukraine and member countries of the European Union, among others.
The list is completed in Australia, Albania, Andorra, Japan, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, North Macedonia, Singapore, Taiwan, Montenegro and Switzerland.
With this order, the Kremlin decided that all Russians, whether citizens or state bodies, with financial obligations to foreign lenders belonging to the list of unfriendly countries could pay them in rubles. .
This temporary process applies to payments over 10 million rubles per month (or similar amount in foreign currency).
The EU approved the first of several sanctions packages against Moscow on February 23 after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of the people’s republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, known as the Donbas.
In addition, due to the “atrocities” committed by Russian soldiers in some occupied cities of Ukraine, Brussels today announced that it is preparing new sanctions against the Kremlin.
Source: EFE
Source: Clarin