Andris Kulbergas demands total visa ban for Russians

Andris Kulbergas told the Financial Times on October 19, 2026, that Europe must immediately halt tourist visas for Russian citizens, declaring that nations continuing to issue them are profiting from the ongoing war in Ukraine. 15min.lt reported that the regional leader criticized the flow of travelers while Russia wages aggression against European Union neighbors.

Latvian Leader Demands Total Visa Ban Over Hybrid Threats

Andris Kulbergas stated in his interview that Latvia faces daily Russian diversions and hybrid threats, anticipating the highest illegal migrant influx in five years along its borders. Mokslo ir technologijų pasaulis noted that Kulbergas also called for frozen Russian funds to be immediately redirected toward Ukrainian defense support. Maria Zacharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, responded with sharp criticism on social media, dismissing the regional warnings as part of an ongoing information conflict.

Kulbergas emphasized that Russia actively interferes in Western processes using bot armies and disinformation, acknowledging that Europe still fights this pressure too weakly. He stressed that these frozen funds exist and must be utilized for Ukraine because Russia breaks all possible rules.

Finnish and Polish Ministers Back Border Restrictions

Last week, Elina Valtonen officially urged the European Union to suspend tourist visas for Russian nationals until the war stops, as reported by 15min.lt. Petteri Orpo similarly announced plans to push for a total Schengen tourist visa ban during European Council meetings, citing heightened risks of sabotage and hybrid attacks across the continent, according to Alfa.lt.

Valtonen stated that tourist visas should not be issued to Russian citizens while aggression continues, asserting that it is wrong for Russians to enjoy the European lifestyle and freedoms while their country bombs Ukrainian homes. Orpo expressed disappointment regarding a recent diesel supply agreement between Washington and Moscow, viewing the deal as having no significant impact on the United States or the global market, and questioned why Europe permits Russians to move around freely as tourists given the diversion risks.

Southern Member States Issue Bulk of Schengen Visas

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed at a Brussels summit that European leaders discussed tightening private and business travel restrictions. A high-ranking European official told the Financial Times that France remains open to severe limits but prefers an initial focus on barring former Russian military personnel, while Italy shows openness to broader diplomatic dialogue on the matter.

Lithuania Vows Persistent Pressure in Brussels

Although a visa prohibition for Russians involved in the invasion was proposed for the 21st EU sanctions package, opposition from states concerned with practical implementation blocked its inclusion. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer warned that the existing visa framework compromises regional security as fears of Moscow-backed arson and sabotage operations rise.

Gitanas Nausėda stated in Brussels that Lithuania will be persistent and continuously urge tighter visa policies, noting that Mette Frederiksen also raises the issue and expressing hope that a critical mass will eventually be reached. Nausėda pointed out that around 500,000 tourist visas are issued annually and stressed that Russia must also be isolated in sports and culture, criticizing efforts to return Russian athletes to international competitions and opposing any potential return of CSKA Moscow to the Euroleague, adding that local conditions would prevent the club from traveling to Kaunas to play Žalgiris.

Timeline of Schengen Border Restrictions

Finland stopped issuing tourist visas and admitting Russian tourists across its border in September 2022. In September 2022, Brussels also suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia, raising fees, processing times, and document requirements. In June 2025, Finland and 10 other European countries again petitioned the European Commission for additional restrictions. In November 2025, the European Commission suspended the issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russians, requiring separate applications for every journey, which led to multiple-entry visa issuance coming to a virtual halt by the beginning of 2026.