Russia works on tit-for-tat visa moves against unfriendly countries — Lavrov

Lavrov

MOSCOW, March 28. /TASS/: A draft presidential decree is underway on retaliatory visa measures against unfriendly countries, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday.

"Additionally, work is in progress on a draft presidential decree on retaliatory visa measures in connection with unfriendly moves from some foreign countries," Lavrov told a meeting of the United Russia party’s commission for international cooperation and support for fellow countrymen abroad. "This document will introduce a number of restrictions on entry into Russia," he explained.

Meanwhile, entry into Russia has been simplified for nationals of third countries or people without citizenship who found themselves in Ukraine, in order to prevent danger to their lives and health, Lavrov said. "For them, the procedures have been simplified for their entry and staying in Russia for a safe return to the countries of their citizenship," the top diplomat added.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation in response to a request for help by the heads of the Donbass republics. He stressed Russia had no intention of occupying the country, the operation was aimed at the denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine. In response, the US, the EU, Britain and a number of other countries announced sanctions against Russian individuals and entities.