The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Ban Russian tourists? The E.U. is divided.

By Emily Rauhala and Beatriz Ríos

30 Aug 2022 · 4 min read

Editor's Note

EU countries vehemently disagree on whether banning Russians from traveling to Europe will weaken or strengthen Putin’s hand. The Washington Post has the details.

BRUSSELS - With fighting raging in eastern Ukraine and Europe bracing for a war-induced recession, should Russians be allowed to enjoy the end of summer in southern France? Shop for luxury goods in Italy? Visit family in Finland?

Those questions will be part of a debate this week among European Union foreign ministers gathering for an informal meeting in Prague. And while E.U. countries were united in banning Russian flights from their airspace and placing more than 1,200 individuals on their sanctions list, a blanket ban on Russian tourists is proving far more divisive.

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