EU ministers back tighter Russian entry rules

European Union foreign ministers signaled broad support for tightening visa rules for Russian citizens and potentially banning former Russian combatants from entering the bloc, following an informal meeting in Wicklow, Ireland, on September 2, 2026. The discussions were largely prompted by an attempted drone attack on LeipzigHalle Airport in Germany last month, which German authorities attributed to Russia on September 1. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that ministers had expressed significant backing for both measures. However, she cautioned that no final decisions were made and that unanimity had not been reached on all points. The proposed entry ban for Russian ex-combatants, specifically targeting those who fought or served with Russian forces in Ukraine since February 2022, has faced resistance from some member states, including France and Italy, who expressed concerns it could inadvertently lead to a blanket ban on all Russian nationals. The prospect of stricter tourist visa rules for Russian citizens gained momentum amid reports that one of the suspects in the Leipzig airport incident may have entered the European Union on a tourist visa issued by Italy.