Ukraine to introduce visas for Russians from July 1
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Friday that Kyiv intends to introduce visas for Russians from July 1, AFP reported.
"Ukraine is introducing a visa regime for citizens of the Russian Federation," Zelensky said on his Telegram account. He said the requirement would take effect on "July 1, 2022", according to a government decision that he expected "today."
The move will end visa-free travel for Russians that began when Ukraine became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said the move was being taken because of Russia's "invasion" that began on February 24 and to bolster his country's defensive efforts.
"Due to the full-scale war launched by the Russian Federation, we need to strengthen the control over the entry of Russian nationals into our territory. Security is a priority."