The EU authorities obliged Russian diplomats to obtain visas, according to the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov.
“Of the solutions that are on paper, there are some limitations. For example, the issuance of visas for diplomatic passports is being introduced. Previously, holders of diplomatic passports travelled visa-free from both sides,” Ivanov said.
He clarified that Russia does not plan to recall its ambassadors from European countries yet.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced her intention to deprive Russian diplomats and businessmen of the right of privileged entry into EU countries on February 25, the second day after the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine.
“On visas. Diplomats and related groups, as well as businessmen, will no longer have privileged access to the EU,” she said.
The EU also imposed a package of sanctions after Russia recognized the independence of the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. They affected 351 State Duma deputies who voted in support of the request to recognize the two states.
Ru-Main, 28.02.2022
Source: RBC
