EU weighs stricter visa curbs and shadow fleet sanctions against Russia, Kallas says

The European Union is developing fresh economic sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet and considering visa restrictions on Russian diplomats, war veterans, and tourists. The measures, discussed under EU leadership, represent a tightening of pressure on Moscow as part of the bloc's ongoing response to the invasion of Ukraine.

According to Ukrinform, EU officials are preparing a comprehensive package of new restrictions aimed at further isolating Russia economically and diplomatically. The measures under consideration include targeted sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet — the network of aging tankers and vessels used to circumvent international oil embargo restrictions — which has become a critical tool for Moscow to maintain energy export revenues despite Western sanctions. Simultaneously, the EU is reviewing its approach to Russian diplomat mobility, with discussions on whether to impose additional limitations on their movement and operations across member states.

The visa policy review encompasses multiple categories of Russian nationals, including former military combatants and war veterans, reflecting EU concerns about security risks and the political symbolism of allowing those involved in the Ukraine conflict to travel freely in Europe. The proposed tourist visa restrictions would mark a notable shift from the EU's earlier stance, which had maintained limited visa access for Russian civilians despite the broader sanctions regime. These measures align with the Union's broader strategy of using economic pressure, diplomatic isolation, and travel restrictions to raise the cost of Russia's continued aggression. The timing of these discussions follows months of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and military targets, as well as growing calls from Ukraine and several EU member states for even more restrictive policies toward Russia.