Thread by @EHunterChristie

1-15

A recap of why I am for a #visaban on #Russian nationals.

A: national security
B: it is also an economic sanction
C: political signal towards our own citizens
D: political signal towards Ukrainian refugees
E: political signal to Russian citizens
F: EU / NATO solidarity

2-15
A: national security

The EU has, rightly and openly, taken the side of Ukraine, and strongly opposes Russia. We give weapons to Ukraine. We have sanctions against RUS. Conversely, RUS state is hostile to our nations in many ways...

3-15

... and while we seek to avoid a direct conflict with RUS, we cannot be sure what hostile acts Moscow may further undertake against us. Given this situation of heightened antagonism, unprecedented since 1992, we must aim to increase the security of our states ...

4-15

... from any possible RUS attack. We must make it harder for hostile elements to infiltrate our societies and carry out any kind of attack, influence op, espionage, sabotage, or political provocation. This applies both to agents and to uncontrolled brainwashed individuals.

5-15
B: it is also an economic sanction

The measure would:
- deny access to products available only on our markets, and
- deny access to sources of income pertaining to the underground economy in our nations, such as prostitution, a major source of cash

6-15
C: political signal towards our own citizens

Our governments have taken sides in this war. We are not neutral. We want Russia to lose. Our own populations need to remain engaged in the necessary policy direction we have charted.

7-15

Our citizens will understand a clear signal that there should not be any tourism or other short-term visits by Russians. This has a mobilisation value, and an educational one. Yes, what Russia is doing over there in Ukraine is *that bad*. We must feel that we are firm.

8-15
D: political signal towards Ukrainian refugees

The security and peace of mind of the millions of Ukrainians who have sought refuge in our nations are paramount.
Already, some RUS provocations against them have occurred. We must minimize any chances of such incidents.

9-15
E: political signal to Russian citizens

The principal moral duty of RUS citizens is to stay inside Russia, sabotage the war effort, and overthrow the regime. That is what we must rightfully expect of them. Any other attitude is of no interest to us.

10-15

There is evidence that a widespread RUS attitude to the war is indifference and rejection of any personal responsibility for the war. We should not indulge such attitudes, but on the contrary signal to these individuals their co-responsibility.

11-15

Naturally, even in the best case scenario the majority will not fight the regime. Those persons can stay safely in Russia, keeping clear of politics. We do not owe those persons assistance nor the granting of access to our territories.

12-15

For defectors from the state apparatus, our states have means for exfiltration and in such cases paperwork is not a problem.
Prominent oppositionists easily find protection as well.

Others have other options to leave. Over 60 non-EU countries do not require visas.

13-15
F: EU / NATO solidarity

We would not be discussing the #visaban had it not been for the requests made by several of our own NATO Allies / fellow EU Member States, notably Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland. These 5 allies all border Russia.

14-15

It is important to show respect and appreciation for the governments that are closer to a particular problem, especially when they are allies. They know better. They face practical problems our other govts do not face. And as allies, they are entitled to support.

15-15

It was sadly reminiscent of pre-war bad practice that some West. European govts took parochial positions against the #visaban, with weak arguments, and with what was evidently a lack of regard for the arguments and positions of their fellow allies in need of support.