As the conflict in Ukraine intensifies, the European Union (EU) has announced intentions to suspend visa requirements for Russian nationals in an effort to reduce border crossings from Russia into the EU.
The agreement between the European Union and Russia to facilitate visa applications has been completely suspended following political agreement among European foreign ministers.
Josep Borrell, the head of EU foreign policy, said this during a press conference on Wednesday in Prague.
"Since the middle of July, there has been a marked increase in Russian citizens crossing into the neighbouring States. Additionally, this poses a security threat to these nearby states, according to Borrell.
According to Borrell, many Russian tourists visiting EU members acted normally despite the conflict in Ukraine.
"It can't be business as usual; we're not doing it that way.
"It will be more challenging, and the process will take longer. And as a result, there will be a significant decrease in the amount of new visas," he said.
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