The discussion is gaining steam: how is it possible that Russian citizens are vacationing in Spain or France as tourists, while the Russian army is killing thousands of women and children in Ukraine? This is by no means unacceptable, say more and more people in the EU.

In fact, this means that Schengen countries must indefinitely suspend issuing tourist visas to all Russians. At least until Russia occupies part of Ukraine’s territory. Because until now, millions of Russians have supported this war or behaved as if they had nothing to do with the ongoing armed conflict. They need to make it clear that their presence in Europe is undesirable at this time. For many Muscovites, it seems normal to enjoy life in cafes and restaurants while their fellow countrymen wash their hands in blood. But in the civilized world, this is not considered normal.

“Collateral Damage”

Obviously, it is unfair to deny all Russians Schengen tourist visas. At least in part. After all, people who are not to blame for anything will also suffer from it: those who do not support the Russian war but do not have the courage to protest against it. But this “collateral damage” is hard to avoid.

We must not forget that if such restrictions are introduced, some Russians will support the Kremlin even more. Leave. But beach holidays on the Côte d’Azur or shopping on the Champs Elysées will no longer exist for them. There will only be an uncomfortable feeling, “sitting in the dock”. This is exactly what we want. After all, Russians during the war can no longer be treated as a normal people, like the Germans in the period from 1939 to 1945 and in the first years after.

Security aspects also speak in favor of the abolition of tourist visas for Russians. Russian Vadim Krasikov came to Berlin on this visa to shoot in cold blood an asylum seeker from Georgia (Zelimkhan Khangoshvili. – Red.) presumably on behalf of the FSB. This makes Russia, as German foreign policy experts say, a “terrorist state.” And that is what Europe must protect itself from.

Uniform rules for all Schengen countries

However, elected Russians must still be able to enter EU territory. There is a demographic problem in Germany and Europe. Many companies have been looking for qualified employees for years. In recent years, millions of people, mainly young and educated, have emigrated from Russia to the EU. It is important to continue to contribute to this. Russian students or scientists who wish to continue their studies or work in the West should be able to come to the EU, as should Russian opposition. Within limited limits, the possibility of visiting relatives must be preserved.

It only matters that the governments of all Schengen countries agree on uniform rules; and the lifting of those sanctions once lasting peace has been established in Ukraine. For several months, most Germans supported the supply of heavy weapons to Ukraine. A minority objected – mainly referring to the history of Germany. This category, like no other, would welcome the refusal to issue tourist visas to Russians. Because such sanctions have a quick effect, but they do not take human lives.

The interruption of the issuance of tourist visas could not be ignored even by the conformist Russian media. At first they would have commented with glee. And one might ask whether other Western countries should follow suit. At some point, they would start telling Russians about the benefits of staying at home. Like once in the USSR. And Moscow’s cafes and restaurants would therefore likely receive a large profit.

Posted by Miodrag Shoric, columnist for DW

The commentary expresses the author’s personal opinion. It may not agree with the opinion of Russian editors and Deutsche Welle in general.