US Says Full Suspension of Visa Issuance to Russian Citizens Is Inappropriate... Rejects Ukraine's Request

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. government has stated that Ukraine's request for a complete visa ban on Russian citizens is inappropriate and cannot be accepted. This move is interpreted as a concern that it could block even the evacuation of anti-government figures within Russia. The U.S. government emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the Russian government and its citizens.

On the 22nd (local time), the U.S. State Department, in a spokesperson's statement, said, "A complete visa ban on Russian citizens is not appropriate," adding, "The United States cannot block refuge for dissidents or those vulnerable to human rights abuses within Russia." It further emphasized, "We have also made it clear that it is important to distinguish between the actions of the Russian government and the Russian people."

The statement is interpreted as a rejection of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal earlier this month in an interview with The Washington Post (WP) requesting the U.S. to impose a complete visa ban on Russian citizens. Previously, President Zelensky stressed, "Visa issuance to Russian citizens should be completely halted, and they should live in their own world until their thinking changes," adding, "The European Union (EU) should not become a supermarket where Russian citizens can visit anytime."

Opinions within the EU are divided over Ukraine's demand to completely suspend visa issuance to Russian citizens. While countries like Finland have shown support, the German government has expressed a negative stance. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supported the U.S. position, stating, "If Russian citizens oppose their government, they should be able to evacuate."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.