EU Proposes Entry Ban for All Who Served in Russia's Army - First Time Sanctions Target Russian Military Personnel Directly

The most significant new measure: a proposed ban on entry to the European Union for anyone who has served in the Russian Armed Forces since the beginning of the war against Ukraine.

"We are for the first time proposing to ban entry into the European Union for anyone who has served in the Russian Armed Forces since the start of the war. This way, Europe will be closed to everyone who has participated in the invasion of Ukraine," Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated.

The measure was proposed by Estonia and remains one of the more contested elements of the package and will be debated in the EU Council.

What else is in the 21st package

Beyond the military entry ban, the proposed package includes:

• Sanctions on Russia's fishing sector for the first time, including potential import bans on products such as cod
• An additional 31 Russian banks added to the sanctions list, plus financial institutions in third countries that have serviced sanctioned Russian companies
• 30 additional vessels added to the shadow fleet blacklist, bringing the total to 632 sanctioned ships — and for the first time targeting vessels that support the shadow fleet through refueling and other services
• New export restrictions on metals and alloys used in Russia's aerospace and defense industries, as well as drone ground support equipment, electronic warfare systems, and launch systems
• A freeze on the oil price cap adjustment mechanism until January next year, to prevent market fluctuations from reducing pressure on Russian oil revenues
• First-ever possibility of a full ban on third countries providing crypto asset services connected to Russia
• Import restrictions on a range of goods worth approximately €60 million

What this means for foreign recruits

For the tens of thousands of foreign nationals who have signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces — including citizens of African, Central Asian, and Latin American countries who were recruited through deception or coercion — the proposed entry ban carries a direct consequence: service in Russia's military could permanently close the door to Europe.

This is one more reason to consider the safe surrender option before it is too late. Find out how to surrender safely here.

See also: EU officials discussed denying entrance for former Russian Army servicemen in April 2026

Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty