Ukraine’s Zelenskiy orders end to visa-free travel for Russians

(Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday ordered an finish to visa-free journey for Russian residents, citing the necessity to enhance border safety within the wake of Moscow’s invasion.

Russian residents are at the moment allowed to go to neighbouring Ukraine with out visas. In an order posted on the presidential web site, Zelenskiy stated he backed a petition submitted by a citizen asking for this apply to finish.

“Towards the backdrop of full-scale Russian aggression, the problem raised is necessary and important. I help the necessity to strengthen controls on the entry of Russian residents,” he stated.

Zelenskiy stated he had despatched a letter to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal asking him to work on the matter. He didn’t give additional particulars.

Russian President Vladimir Putin early final month signed a decree introducing visa restrictions for residents of nations that Moscow deems “unfriendly”, together with Ukraine.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; enhancing by Jonathan Oatis)