Regarding the proposed EU visa ban for Russian citizens: yes, let's make it happen.
The ban 'could end up separating families' of Russian citizens? The Russian government has been separating Ukrainian families for over 5 months now by murdering the members of these families.
The ban 'could end up separating families' of Russian citizens? The Russian government has been separating Ukrainian families for over 5 months now by murdering the members of these families.
Are we denying agency to Russian citizens? Have they not, in large numbers and in a vast majority, been behind Putin in pre-genocide support and remained behind Putin during the genocide in Ukraine?
The 'Not all Russians' argument does not work here. We are not talking about 'all Russians' - we are talking about Russian citizens, people who hold a Russian passport. The ones who have (retained) strong ties with Russia. The ones that can make the change happen. In Russia.
If we in the democratic West do not believe that citizens of a country have agency and power AND responsibility, then why do we even hold elections? Why pretend we believe in democracy?
But 'Russia is not a democratic country'?
Well, who do you think will turn it into a democratic country? Putin and his cronies? Or are we expecting another (large) country to invade Russia and change the regime?
Or, perhaps, this really is the role of Russian citizens.
Well, who do you think will turn it into a democratic country? Putin and his cronies? Or are we expecting another (large) country to invade Russia and change the regime?
Or, perhaps, this really is the role of Russian citizens.
Including those Russian citizens who either reside or would like to visit/reside in democratic EU countries, among which are those threatened by Russia *daily*.
Unless, of course, we are saying that citizens of a country hold no power over the future of that country.
Unless, of course, we are saying that citizens of a country hold no power over the future of that country.
'But what about dissidents and critics!', I hear.
The mechanisms for seeking asylum are not impacted by the proposed change in visa rules. Those with a legitimate reason to flee Russia or remain in a foreign country will still be able to do so.
The mechanisms for seeking asylum are not impacted by the proposed change in visa rules. Those with a legitimate reason to flee Russia or remain in a foreign country will still be able to do so.
Is it unfair towards 'others who live outside of the country and don’t support the war'?
A fair question during a time when it is not fair to ask it. We can talk about fairness once Russia has moved out / has been pushed out of Ukraine and the rebuilding of Ukraine begins.
A fair question during a time when it is not fair to ask it. We can talk about fairness once Russia has moved out / has been pushed out of Ukraine and the rebuilding of Ukraine begins.
When Russian torture, rapes, and murders in Ukraine have stopped. When Ukrainians have the opportunity to return to their homes. When Ukrainian families have been reunited. When at least a hint of fairness towards Ukrainians has been restored.
Until that happens, the privilege of Russian citizens visiting or living in EU countries - demeaned and threatened by Russian officials - is not fair.
Not towards Ukrainians, nor the citizens of the EU countries, nor towards Russia and its citizens who remain under that regime.
Not towards Ukrainians, nor the citizens of the EU countries, nor towards Russia and its citizens who remain under that regime.
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