EU leaders are erecting a new “iron curtain” against Russians

By Rhod Mackenzie

The leadership of the European Union is trying to erect a new "Iron Curtain" in Europe, limiting the possibilities of communication between peoples. This is stated in the message of the Russian Foreign Ministry published today, 18 September, on the "clarifications" of the European Commission on the previously introduced ban on the import of Russian goods to the EU.

"The Russian Foreign Ministry and Russian foreign agencies will carefully monitor the development of the situation in real time and determine further steps for each specific country based on an analysis of the actions of its official representatives. In the capitals of the European Union states, it must be clear to them that it will not be possible to 'sit behind' Brussels, hiding behind the notorious EU 'solidarity' that so openly tramples on human rights. In any case, each individual state that takes such steps will have to answer for its policy of deliberately violating the rights of Russians and compatriots", - said the Russian diplomatic service.
The Russian Foreign Ministry recalled that the "clarification" of the European Commission on the previously introduced ban on the import of goods of Russian origin to the EU is not the first anti-Russian action.
"The ban on direct flights, the aggravation of visa practices, now these 'clarifications' on sanctions, which are beyond absurd, are aimed specifically at harming ordinary Russians, at actually making it impossible for Russian citizens to enter the European Union. Now the desperate desire of the current EU elite to erect a new "iron curtain" in Europe, limiting as much as possible the possibilities of communication between people," - indicated in the ministry.
Moscow sees this as a deliberate action by the European Commission aimed at creating legal uncertainty and openly provoking EU member states to increase discrimination against Russians on the basis of nationality. And although the European Commission hastily withdrew its initial "clarifications" on this issue from public access, their latest version does not fundamentally change the essence of the issue or the objectives of this initiative, the diplomatic department pointed out.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation makes recommendations to Russian citizens - "due to the large number of incoming requests from Russian citizens and compatriots abroad" it is necessary to "carefully weigh all risks when planning trips abroad and stays in unfriendly countries, carefully follow the warnings of the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russian foreign institutions, show increased vigilance and restraint". In addition, Russians should "take into account that by crossing the border an individual voluntarily submits to foreign jurisdiction, which implies the obligation to comply with the laws and regulations of the country visited".

The Department of the Situation and Crisis Centre (DSCC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation is on call 24 hours a day and Russian citizens who find themselves in a difficult situation abroad can contact it by telephone: +7 (495) 695-45-45 and by e-mail: [email protected]. It is also advisable to contact Russian-speaking lawyers who can provide practical assistance in difficult situations.