EU proposes entry ban on Russians who fought in Ukraine.

The Plan

President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new proposal of an entry ban on any individual who served as a Russian soldier in the war against Ukraine since it began in February 2022.

The aim is to ensure that Europe is ‘off-limits’ to anyone who took part in the invasion, and to dissuade young Russians from further participating in the war atrocities. Set against the rise in Russian military provocations against Baltic and Eastern European nations and a 10.2% increase in 2025 in visas issued to Russians compared to 2024, this proposal aims to respond to Russia’s continuing aggression in the war. The mindset seems to be, why should Russians enjoy European leisure and holidays in countries like France, Italy and Spain (the top three countries issuing visas to Russian nationals) while their government continues to strike civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine?

The aim is to approve this sanctions package by the 15th of July. If this proposal is then implemented, the EU and Schengen member states would then implement the entry ban by refusing visas, resident permits and entry to Russian nationals identified as having taken part in the military conflict. The issue that deters absolute concurrence with the plan is the practical implementation of it – the question being how to identity military veterans efficiently?

Implications and effect on the UK

As part of the 21st sanctions package, alongside the other proposed measures, an estimated 1.5 million Russian military veterans are expected to be impacted.

Given that the UK is no longer part of the EU or Schengen area, the implementation of the proposal could indirectly affect those with ties across the UK and EU. Russian military veterans based in the UK but travelling to the EU for reasons such as family, tourism, or work, may find new restrictions on their access to the member states. This will mean a great reduction in Russians moving across borders.

Moreover, future applicants or those in the process of applying for EU visas may find themselves barred or under greater scrutiny under the new policy.

Another implication of the policy may be its own effect on the UK immigration policy to Russian veterans, given how the UK’s immigration and sanctions framework has generally aligned itself with EU policies. Although a corresponding proposal has not been announced in the UK, it is reasonable to anticipate a similar measure being adopted by the UK in the near future.

Conclusion

The proposal remains subject to negotiation, but if adopted, it would mark a significant development in the EU’s use of immigration and border-control measures as part of its sanctions framework. The key issue will be how EU and Schengen Member States identify affected individuals and implement the restrictions consistently.

Taking a step back, the latest proposal by the EU also marks a departure from targeted sanctions against specific individuals or on certain aspects of trade. Russia’s war in Ukraine has been fought by an increasing number of conscripts, many of whom have no choice but to enlist. The proposal does not appear to distinguish between volunteers and willing participants on the one hand, and conscripts on the other. A policy which will disproportionately impact young Russian men will likely do little to put pressure on the Russian government to bring the hostilities to an end and may, instead, antagonise an entire generation.

Gherson Insight

From our perspective, this proposal reflects the increasing overlap between sanctions policy, national security and immigration control. If adopted, it may create a new precedent for restricting mobility on the basis of participation in an armed conflict.

The proposal also raises important questions around the effectiveness of sanctions in bringing about the stated policy aims – to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. While the measures remain under discussion, businesses, policymakers and individuals with interests across the UK and Europe should monitor developments closely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the proposed EU entry ban on Russian military veterans?
The proposal forms part of the EU’s 21st sanctions package and would introduce restrictions on Russian nationals who served in the Russian military during the war in Ukraine. If adopted, affected individuals could face visa refusals, restrictions on residence permits, or denial of entry into EU and Schengen countries.

When could the new restrictions take effect?
The European Commission has proposed that the sanctions package be approved by mid-July. The precise implementation date would depend on the adoption of the package by EU Member States and the subsequent introduction of national measures.

How would authorities determine whether someone is affected by the ban?
One of the key challenges identified in the proposal is the practical issue of identifying individuals who have participated in the conflict. Details of how such assessments would be conducted have not yet been fully clarified.

Would the proposed measures apply in the United Kingdom?
The UK is no longer part of the EU or Schengen Area, so the proposal would not automatically apply in the UK. However, developments in EU sanctions policy are often closely monitored by UK policymakers, and similar measures could potentially be considered in the future.

Could the proposal affect travel between the UK and the EU?
Yes. Individuals who may fall within the scope of the proposed restrictions could face difficulties travelling to EU Member States, even if they are lawfully resident in the UK or hold valid UK immigration status.

Will all Russian nationals be affected by these measures?
No. The proposal specifically targets individuals who served as Russian soldiers during the war in Ukraine. It is not intended to apply to Russian nationals generally.

What wider implications could this proposal have?
Beyond travel restrictions, the proposal reflects a broader trend towards the use of immigration and mobility controls as part of sanctions policy. It may influence future discussions on security screening, visa eligibility and cross-border mobility within Europe.

If you have any questions arising from this blog, or require advice on UK immigration, sanctions or related regulatory matters, please do not hesitate to contact us. or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

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