Ukraine calls for Europe entry ban, stronger pressure on Russia

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called for a ban on entry into Europe and the transatlantic space for Russian military personnel involved in the war against Ukraine, urging a broader escalation of pressure on Moscow.

According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Sybiha made the remarks on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

The minister said such steps should be part of a wider strategy to weaken Russia and accelerate diplomatic efforts toward peace.

“We need to increase pressure on Russia and weaken Russia — this is the only way to accelerate peace efforts. We are ready for a ceasefire. Putin must understand that he will never achieve his goals on the battlefield,” he said.

Sybiha also stated that Ukraine continues to hold its positions on the front line while increasingly relying on new technologies.

“We are holding the front line, trying to close the skies and operate asymmetrically. Numerical superiority in manpower is becoming less decisive thanks to drone technologies,” he said.

He expressed hope that Ukraine’s European integration process, along with that of its partners, would be accelerated, including the opening of negotiation clusters and increased EU financial assistance.

Separately, Sybiha said Ukraine had conveyed to Hungary its readiness for high-level contacts following recent political changes, noting that “anti-Ukrainian rhetoric did not work” in Hungary’s elections.

Commenting on relations with the United States, the minister said negotiation teams are maintaining continuous dialogue and that a US delegation visit to Ukraine is expected. He added that the most difficult phase of bilateral relations had already passed and cooperation had become more pragmatic.

Sybiha also said, in his view, that Russia is interested in destabilizing the situation in the Middle East and benefits from global crises.

By Vafa Guliyeva