The Minister of foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin supported the introduction of visas for citizens of the Russian Federation with introduction of strict control of the Russians arriving in Ukraine, but also insists on the need to protect Ukrainians, who are both in Russia and in the occupied territories. The Minister of foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin said in an interview to TV channel “112-Ukraine”.
The Minister stressed that in terms of discussion initiatives on the introduction of a visa regime with Russia, this question is wrong. “I believe that even the introduction of a visa regime in the context of control of who comes from the Russian Federation a little. We have to introduce biometric passports, but then more and control those who come. It means announcing trips, and it all can be done quite effectively in the Internet”, — said Klimkin.
“But let us clearly understand what we have. In fact, we are well aware we have war, we have the collapse of the Empire, but almost three million of Ukrainians live on the territory of the Russian Federation, about 7 or 8%,” — said the Minister.
“And at the same time, should understand, what about our citizens who are in the territory of temporary occupied Crimea? What Russia will do in the sense to limit these contacts. So, my answer is definitely Yes, but this is a question that need to be resolved in time, and from the point of view of these procedures based on a clear approach and understanding of how Russia will try to interrupt”, he said.
The Minister also expressed the opinion that Russia will “draw” the Ukrainian citizens in their Russian citizenship. “It has clearly prevented,” — said Klimkin. He also assured that procedurally, the foreign Ministry will do everything it should. “Cook, have relevant experience, so the foreign Ministry in this regard not to worry,” he concluded.
