Russia’s middle class is happily going on beach and shopping vacations while people are dying in Ukraine? And because Vladimir Putin’s subjects suffer no personal consequences of the war in their everyday lives, are there no mass protests?
So the obvious reflex is to consider sanctions that force Russian citizens to think, like a general ban on entry into the EU. That’s what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is demanding, as are the Baltic States and other Eastern Europeans.
The majority of Finns are also in favor of it. Although Helsinki Airport, due to its proximity to Petersburg, is one of the main routes used by Russians to reach EU destinations.
Certainly, a shock can be healing: This shows the horror of Russian vacationers in the Crimea at the fact that the war, with the explosion of an ammunition depot, has reached them in a summer paradise that they thought was safe.
Humanity often dictates a visa
The mere debate about the demand that Russian citizens no longer be issued EU visas is followed with trepidation. The discussion thus achieves a psychological purpose. It shakes some people awake.
Nevertheless, a general entry ban for Russians would be wrong. Sanctions must be targeted and smart. Experience has shown that the impression that an entire society is being punished across the board is counterproductive and leads to solidarity with the regime.
Dissidents should be allowed to come, as well as Russians to the funeral of a close relative in the EU. A restrictive allocation of EU visas, in which the reasons for a refusal are communicated, is the better way.
