The leaders of Germany, Poland, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Sweden have urged the European Union to tighten visa rules for Russian citizens who took part in the war against Ukraine. Politico reported that in a letter to European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, they said demobilized troops and soldiers on rotation could pose security risks to the Schengen area.
The authors of the initiative note that in 2025, Russians submitted about 670,000 applications for Schengen visas, and roughly four out of five applicants were granted entry permits. They are calling for targeted restrictions and for the EU to examine coordinated entry bans.
Human rights advocates warn that such measures could also shut down the already limited escape routes available to deserters. Kovcheg founder Anastasia Burakova says many servicemen do not have international passports, so they usually flee to Armenia, Kazakhstan, or Kyrgyzstan. In her view, Armenia is safer because the risk of extradition is lower, although reaching it is more difficult.
Former soldiers interviewed by the outlet said they chose desertion after frontline service, injuries, and threats of being sent back to their units. One is now seeking asylum in Armenia; another, after lengthy negotiations, managed to reach France and apply for protection there.
“If the EU fully blocks entry for war participants without an individual review, that could discourage people from deserting,” one former serviceman said.
Idite Lesom head Grigory Sverdlin said requests for help with desertion have risen by 30% this year, and that in January and February alone the group helped 248 people desert and hide. In his view, the EU should not impose blanket exclusions but instead create a separate asylum track for those who did not commit war crimes and who face up to 15 years in prison in Russia.