Germany urged to leave ways for Russians who want to get into the EU

The representative of the German government stressed that for Russians who do not want to participate in a military operation,there must be ways to travel to Germany and other EU countries

Germany is open to receive Russians who want to leave the country after the announcement of partial mobilization. For such citizens, it is necessary to leave ways to travel to the European Union, said German government spokesman Steffen Hebestrait.

“The federal government is open to Russians who want to leave the country after partial mobilization,” he said, calling it a “good sign” that “many Russians don’t want to participate” in a special operation in Ukraine.

Hebestrait noted that the German authorities are currently coordinating actions with partners in the EU for the phased admission of such people.

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On September 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization in RUSSIA. The President called the decision "fully adequate to the threats" faced by the country. Mobilization is needed to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia, to ensure the security of the people and "people in the liberated territories," he explained. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that it will cover 300 thousand people, or about 1% of the mobilization reserve.

A day later, German Interior Minister Nancy Feser said that Germany was ready to accept Russians fleeing the mobilization under certain circumstances. “As a rule, deserters who are threatened with severe reprisals receive international protection in Germany. Anyone who courageously opposes the Putin regime and therefore exposes himself to the greatest danger can apply for asylum in Germany on the basis of political persecution,” she said (quoted by Welt).

Justice Minister Marco Busman, in turn, wrote on his Twitter: “Obviously, many Russians are leaving their homeland. Everyone who loves liberal democracy is welcome in Germany.”

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In response to the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, the European Union suspended visa facilitation with Russia from September 12. Obtaining visas has become longer, more difficult and more expensive. The visa fee has increased from €35 to €80 and the standard time limit for making a decision on Schengen visa applications has increased from ten to 15 days, and in some cases can be extended up to 45 days.

At the same time, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, bordering with Russia, have banned entry for Russians since September 19, even with valid Schengen visas.

It is still impossible to get into the European Union by air: since February 17, the EU has closed its airspace to Russian aircraft.