The positions of the Nordic countries and . differedGermany In Oslo, on Monday, it decided to restrict tourist visas to Russians, in response to the invasion of Ukraine, a measure called for by Helsinki but raised by Berlin’s reticence.
“The Russian people did not start the war, but at the same time we have to realize that they support the war,” Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said after a meeting of the heads of government of Nordic countries and Germany.
“It is unfair that Russian citizens can enter Europe and the Schengen area as tourists (…) while Russia is killing people in Ukraine,” she said at a joint press conference.
Since the imposition of the ban on flights from Russia to European UnionRussian tourists are coming in increasing numbers to the Scandinavian country, which shares a long border with Russia, to cross to other European countries.
For his part, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed reservations about this measure.
“It was an important decision on our part to impose sanctions on those responsible for the war and against many wealthy people who are loyal to (the Russian government) and those who benefit financially and economically from the regime of (Russian President Vladimir)” he said. Putin“.
“We will continue to do this, but I think it’s not the Russian people’s war, it’s Putin’s war,” he added, adding that restricting tourist visas would also punish “everyone who flees Russia because they disagree with the Russian regime.”
For its part, Sweden indicated, through Prime Minister Magdalena Andersen, that it has not yet decided its decision on this issue, while Denmark called for maintaining European unity against Moscow.
“One of our successes in this war is our unity, and I think we should have that discussion,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said.