Ukraine urges Schengen ban on Russian forces to safeguard Europe

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on European countries to ban entry to the Schengen area for Russian military personnel involved in Moscow’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.

According to Sibyha, such a measure would bolster the “long-term national security of European countries” and act as “retribution for the wrong choice” made by Russian soldiers, Caliber.Az reports, citing Sibyha’s post on X account.

There needs to be a total EU-wide entry ban for Russian citizens who took part in Russian aggression against Ukraine.

First, it’s about the long-term national security of European states and the protection of their citizens from Russian thugs.

Second, this will set the right…

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) February 9, 2026

“There needs to be a total EU-wide entry ban for Russian citizens who took part in Russian aggression against Ukraine.

First, it’s about the long-term national security of European states and the protection of their citizens from Russian thugs.

Second, this will set the right price for the wrong choices: each Russian who signs a contract to invade Ukraine must know that he also signs himself a lifelong entry ban to Europe.

Estonia has already demonstrated leadership by implementing relevant national decisions and proving that the mechanism works. Now it is time to expand this to the entire European Union, and I urge my EU colleagues to take this step seriously.

This is about strengthening the security of Europe,” the post by the FM reads.

By Vafa Guliyeva