Kuleba said that though the legal responsibility for the committed crimes is, indeed, individual, there is also a common social responsibility that all Russians should bear for the horrors that have been inflicted on Ukraine. Yet, massive popular support in Russia for the war is a grim reality that not all European leaders seem ready to appreciate, Kuleba said.
“Russians haven’t even begun [to assume guilt]. In fact, they’re moving in the opposite direction. Let’s take off the rose-colored glasses and wake up to the reality of Russian fascism,” he said.
He added that placing the blame solely on President Vladimir Putin is dangerously naïve and warned that Russia won’t change until generations of Russians assume common responsibility and guilt for what their country has done.
“It is therefore imperative that all EU and G7 countries cease issuing tourist visas to Russians as a first step, to sober them up,” the minister said.
He said that a small minority of Russians who oppose Putin and the war against Ukraine must retain the opportunity to seek asylum. Equally, entry on humanitarian grounds should also remain possible, Kuleba said.
He added that those who support the aggression against Ukraine, with the use of missiles and tanks, are also supporting Russia’s aggression against Europe and the West by weaponizing energy to trigger higher gas prices and inflation, fomenting political instability.
Kuleba also drew attention to a very practical side to this debate in terms of security.
“Russians pose an elevated risk of hate crimes and conflict, especially now, when they’re being brainwashed daily by aggressive propaganda. They’re already known for their notorious behavior at global resorts and touristic places, but these risks are now even higher. Turning them away will increase security and reduce crime,” he said.
He said that Ukraine is now actively working with partners in the EU and G7 to persuade them to turn away Russian tourists.
“We see it as one of the most effective personal sanctions against Russia. Unlike some other restrictive measures, it costs almost nothing, enhances security, needs no additional legislation and sends a powerful signal to all Russians. It says that Putin and his supporters have shut the Russia’s door to Europe,” Kuleba concluded.
