Poland urges EU to restrict Russian diplomats and visas

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has called for stricter European Union restrictions on Russian citizens and diplomats following a series of hybrid attacks across Europe. The proposal follows allegations from Germany regarding a bomb plot at Leipzig airport, which German authorities have linked to Russia.

Sikorski’s proposed measures include limiting the movement of Russian diplomats to their specific countries of accreditation, reducing the total number of Russian diplomats within the EU, and closing consulates. He stated that many of the estimated 2,000 Russian diplomats in the EU are acting as intelligence agents involved in activities such as arson and sabotage rather than official diplomatic duties.

Additionally, Poland is advocating for tighter Schengen visa restrictions for Russian citizens and the implementation of mandatory biometric passports for entry. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas expressed support for tougher visa restrictions for Russian tourists and entry bans for ex-combatants, aiming to increase pressure on the Kremlin in response to what officials describe as state-sponsored terrorism and hybrid warfare.