EU proposes entry ban for Russians who fought in Ukraine

European Commission High Representative Kaja Kallas told a Brussels press conference that one of the core elements of the 18th sanctions package is a Schengen ban for Russian citizens who fought on Russia's side in the war in Ukraine. Kallas said the proposal was designed as a 'joint judicial instrument for suspected war criminals' and did not preempt criminal proceedings. According to Deutsche Welle, the package also lists 22 shadow fleet tankers and two Belarusian state banks.

The package also covers 14 Russian oil-exporting companies. Reservations from Hungary and Slovakia were overruled by majority vote, but final touches to the text will be made this week. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the sanctions would not change Moscow's stance. Poland and the Baltic states are reported to be pushing for stricter enforcement of the package.

Member state permanent representatives will meet at COREPER on Wednesday, and formal approval will take effect once published in the Official Journal. EU diplomats said the package would have a parallel effect alongside Ukraine's accession negotiations. The Commission also stressed that practical enforcement of the Schengen ban would rest with member states' border police and migration services.