Kuleba Offers Special Programme for Russian Soldiers Who Do Not Want to Fight in Ukraine

Dmytro Kuleba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is proposing to launch a special programme for Russian soldiers who no longer want to fight in Ukraine.

"The message is: save yourself and run away. Lay down your weapons, surrender to Ukrainian forces and get a chance to start a new life," Reuters quotes Kuleba.

"I am sure that this offer has merit, because even if one Russian military man lays down his arms and decides to leave, it means saving Ukrainian lives and bringing peace closer," said Kuleba.

He also again called on the European Union to ban the entry of Russian tourists, calling this measure appropriate because most Russians supported their country's "genocidal war of aggression."

"The time for half-measures is over. Only a tough and consistent policy can bring results," said Kuleba.

"A visa ban for Russian tourists and some other categories would be an appropriate response to Russia's genocidal war of aggression in the heart of Europe, which is supported by the vast majority of Russian citizens," he emphasised.

As reported, the idea of ​​banning the issuing of tourist visas is most actively promoted by the eastern members of the EU, in particular, Russia's immediate neighbours Estonia and Finland. At the same time, France, Germany and the countries of Southern Europe, which are interested in Russian tourists, continue to oppose it.

According to the EU's chief diplomat, the countries are unlikely to agree on a complete ban on tourist trips, but may agree to certain changes to the current rules for issuing visas to Russian citizens.

The Czech Republic, which chairs the EU Council, has put forward a proposal to suspend the visa agreement with the Russian Federation as a compromise option. This step involves an increase in the visa fee from 35 to 80 euros, as well as an increase in the time for processing visa applications and the number of documents required for this.