Russia does not close borders after tightening Schengen rules

MOSCOW - Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told RIA Novosti that Russia does not plan to close the border for European citizens in response to the tightening of Schengen visa rules for Russian citizens.

"From us, we do not plan to close the border for European citizens or restrict their entry into Russia," Grushko said.

He said that people-to-people contacts, tourism, business and humanitarian ties should be maintained.

"Our country wants to build bridges of relations between peoples, despite all the efforts of the European Union to destroy these bridges," Grushko said.

The European Union continues to expand sanctions, including travel bans targeting specific individuals and visa tightening, which are unlikely to be relaxed until the situation in Ukraine changes.

Maritime restrictions: In addition to land borders, Finland has also closed small ports such as Haapasaari, Nuijamaa, and Santio to recreational traffic since April 2024.