Russia's Def Min dubs idea to ban citizens from entering EU 'manifestation of Nazi policy'

Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Saturday stated that idea of banning Russian nationals from travelling to European Union (EU) nations is a "manifestation of Nazi policy" and called it a "Russophobic idea."

Speaking at plenary session of First International Anti-Fascist Congress on August 20, Shoigu stated that fundamental principles of world order and political assessments of Nuremberg Tribunal are being "igred" by nations, particularly Baltic States, Sputnik reported. He ded that many people in Ukraine have t accepted policy of authorities to "rehabilitate Nazism" and provoke hatred towards everything related to Russia.

Some EU nations have been calling on European Commission to t allow Russian tourists to enter  European Union in response to Russian offensive in Ukraine. issue is expected to be on nda of informal EU Ministerial meeting in Prague due to take place on August 30-31.

Earlier, Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that y should stop issuing tourist visas to Russians. Kallas took to her Twitter handle and said, "Stop issuing tourist visas to Russians. Visiting Europe is a privilege, t a human right" and that it is "Time to end tourism from Russia w."

Echoing similar remarks, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin called on EU to reduce entry of Russian tourists into Schengen countries. Speaking to YLE, Sanna Marin stated that Russians take vacations in Europe while Moscow's troops continue to carry out an offensive in Ukraine. table, some EU nations, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Czech Republic have limited issuance of Schengen visas to Russian nationals.

Estonia to longer allow Russian nationals 

Estonian government has decided to longer allow  entry of Russian nationals who have Schengen visas issued by Estonia. decision has been anunced by Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Reinsalu. An exception has been me in decision for students studying in Estonia who will be able to extend ir residence permits for one year.

Taking to his Twitter handle, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said that Estonia has decided to t allow Russians with Schengen visas granted by Estonia and called on or nations to take similar measures. Estonia's Ministry of External Affairs in a press release anunced that restrictions will t apply to people having long-term residence permits or if y come to visit close relatives as well as Russian diplomats and ir families. 

Im: AP