Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called for stricter EU visa controls for Russian citizens and diplomats, citing a rise in Kremlin-backed hybrid attacks across Europe. He proposed limiting movement and capping diplomatic numbers within the bloc.
The proposed measures signal a potential hardening of EU policy towards Russia in response to escalating hybrid warfare tactics, which could impact diplomatic relations, travel, and security cooperation within the bloc.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has called for enhanced restrictions on Russian diplomats and citizens traveling within the European Union, citing a recent surge in Kremlin-backed hybrid attacks across the continent. Speaking alongside his German and French counterparts in Weimar, Germany, Sikorski stated that Russia's alleged attempts to destabilize the EU from within should not be met with free movement privileges.
His remarks followed Germany's attribution of an explosive-laden drone incursion to Russia, prompting a tougher diplomatic response from Berlin. Sikorski proposed several measures, including limiting the movement of Russian diplomats to their accredited countries, capping the total number of diplomats within the EU, and implementing stricter Schengen visa issuance policies, potentially requiring biometric passes for Russian entrants.
Sikorski estimated that over 2,000 Russian diplomats are stationed across the EU, with at least 40% allegedly engaged in activities inconsistent with their diplomatic status and linked to "terrorist activities." He emphasized the need for solidarity with Germany to implement safeguards for the population.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot indicated Paris's willingness to support additional measures if necessary. Germany has recently experienced a series of hybrid attacks, including incidents targeting power facilities and a defense company, which are under investigation. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul refrained from publicly confirming Russia's involvement in a specific arson attack on a Munich defense company, prioritizing national and allied security while assuring that investigations and responses would continue.