The European Union will propose restricting entry for former Russian combatants by June, its top diplomat said, as Brussels ramps up pressure on Moscow over its war against Ukraine.
Speaking after a Foreign Affairs Council meeting, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said the bloc is preparing new measures targeting individuals who took part in Russia’s war.
“Finally, we will come with proposals to restrict former Russian combatants’ entry to the European Union by the time of June’s European Council,” she said.
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andriy Sybiha has welcomed the EU’s plan to restrict entry for Russian combatants. Reacting on X, he said the proposed measure would demonstrate that participating in Russia’s war carries consequences beyond the battlefield.
“This is a timely and welcome step that will show every Russian that by signing a contract to fight a criminal war of aggression against Ukraine they also sign an entry ban to Europe,” he wrote.
He added that the move is “fair,” arguing that those who “fight a war to harm Europe and European states” should not be allowed to travel there, and urged all EU member states to support the initiative.
EU foreign ministers also reaffirmed continued support for Ukraine, adding that Russia has intensified attacks despite declaring an Orthodox Easter ceasefire.
“Although there was an Orthodox Easter ceasefire declared, Russia did not keep to it. It actually increased its attacks against Ukrainian civilians,” Kallas said, adding that it shows Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has not abandoned his “maximalist war aims.”
Ministers agreed that military and financial backing for Kyiv must continue until Russia changes course.
The EU has already trained more than 90,000 Ukrainian troops under its EUMAM mission and is advancing a new “fourth pillar” of security guarantees focused on defense reform, cyber threats, and veterans.
Kallas also said there is fresh momentum within the bloc following Hungary’s elections, expressing confidence that a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine could be approved within 24 hours.
Ministers additionally pushed forward discussions on a 20th sanctions package and revisiting previously blocked decisions, including funding through the European Peace Facility.
Beyond the battlefield, the EU is stepping up efforts against Russian influence operations. New sanctions were approved targeting disinformation campaigns within the bloc, while restrictive measures against actors destabilizing Moldova were extended.
“Wars are not only fought with drones and missiles,” Kallas said. “We must also continue to fend off Moscow’s destabilisation attempts.”
The EU also signaled a cultural and political stance against Russia, opposing its participation in international platforms such as the Venice Biennale and planning to cut related funding.
Turning to the Middle East, Kallas highlighted growing concerns over military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, noting that Iranian drones used against Gulf countries likely incorporate Russian technological upgrades.
“Iranian drones used against our Gulf partners likely incorporate Russian tech upgrades,” Kallas said, adding that the EU is working with regional partners to counter the threat, including potential coordination on sanctions.