Broad EU support grows for tougher visas for Russians after Leipzig hybrid attack

The European Union is moving toward tougher visa restrictions for Russian citizens after the hybrid attack at Leipzig airport, which several German media outlets attributed to a Russian-Latvian citizen and a Belarusian suspect.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ministers had shown broad support for restricting tourist visas and banning former Russian combatants from entering the bloc. She said the second suspect reportedly entered the EU through Italy on a visa, although German authorities still need to confirm or reject the attribution.

“If this is true, and, of course, it is for the German authorities to confirm or deny it, it clearly demonstrates that visas are a tool used by those who seek to harm the European Union to gain access to it,” Kallas said. She added that many ministers had raised the need for tighter visa rules during a discussion on Ukraine.

“

If this is true, and, of course, it is for the German authorities to confirm or deny it, it clearly demonstrates that visas are a tool used by those who seek to harm the European Union to gain access to it.

Kallas said it was unacceptable for Russia to bomb Ukraine and kill civilians while Russian citizens entered European countries and enjoyed their hospitality. She said member states had previously warned that tourist visas could facilitate sabotage, and added: “What is at stake is our own security, as well as Ukraine’s.”

Ireland’s Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said the 27 EU countries would adopt additional measures on entry bans and visas and examine the situation of former combatants. Kallas said the Leipzig incident was not isolated, citing increasingly frequent sabotage, cyberattacks and espionage across Europe since 2022. The EU has summoned Russia’s representative and is moving toward further sanctions.

“

What is at stake is our own security, as well as Ukraine’s.