Zelensky: No Russian state TV channel should operate in EU

“Another imperative step we must take now. A value-based step. An ethical one. Russian propagandists can still work in European countries. Russian television, which is probably the biggest disinformation source in the world, is still available in European countries. And who are they working against, tell me? What exactly are they trying to destroy or at least discredit in the first place? European democracy! And Europe needs full protection from Russian propaganda. No Russian propagandist should remain on the territory of the EU. No Russian state television channel should operate on the territory of the EU,” Zelensky said in his address to the participants of the 26th annual Forum 2000 Conference in Prague.

He added that “the territory of the EU should be closed to those citizens of Russia who use Europe to rest from the evil they condone at home with their silence.”

“Visa restrictions will encourage Russian citizens to feel that freedom must be fought for. Closing the European visa space for tourists from Russia will definitely protect all countries from the killers who were in Salisbury or Vrbětice,” the President of Ukraine stressed.

As reported, at an informal meeting in Prague, the EU foreign ministers reached a political agreement on the suspension of the visa facilitation agreement with Russia. In particular, it was agreed that the number of new Schengen visas for Russian citizens will be significantly reduced, and obtaining them will become more difficult and take more time.