The Russian Foreign Ministry called the tightening of the rules for issuing "Schengen" discrimination

The increased restrictions imposed by the European Union (EU) on the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens are seen as a manifestation of national discrimination and an example of Brussels' hypocrisy. This was announced on April 21 by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko.

"The EU's tightening of the rules for issuing multiple—entry Schengen visas to Russians is another manifestation of discrimination based on nationality, an element of the culture promoted by Brussels to abolish all Russian," he said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to Grushko, ordinary citizens become victims of such decisions. He noted that the EU has lost its reputation as a defender of human rights and freedoms, stressing that European "advanced" civilizations are not such in practice.

Visa nonsense: Schengen for ITS veterans may be closed without a common decision of the countries

Why are the Baltic states already collecting lists of participants in the special operation and how they will be used in the future?

Grushko said on April 18 that Russia had no plans to close its borders to Europeans, despite stricter rules for issuing Schengen visas to Russians. According to him, the Russian side is interested in establishing communication, tourism, business and humanitarian ties with citizens of European countries.