Ukraine is scrapping visa-free entry for Russians and will require them to obtain visas to enter the country from the beginning of next month, Zelenskyy has announced.
“According to a decision that is planned by the Cabinet of Ministers, Ukraine will introduce a visa regime for Russian citizens from July 1, 2022,” the Ukrainian leader said.
There is a “general sense” in Ukraine and amongst its Western allies that if the European Commission’s candidacy recommendation does not go through then Russian President Vladimir Putin could be “emboldened”.
“So it is a positive step, but there are very strict conditions that are being demanded of Ukraine with respect to tackling corruption and with respect to the rule of law,” Stratford said.
“Its entire legal system will be scrutinised by Brussels and it basically has to comply with the standards that Brussels sets out,” he added.
