The European Union is preparing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, with proposals to tighten Schengen visa rules for Russian citizens and curb the movement of Russian diplomats within the bloc. The measures are being pushed primarily by eastern member states driven by espionage and security concerns. However, divisions remain within the EU, as countries such as Italy and France continue to issue visas to Russians more liberally. Russian opposition figure Yulia Navalnaya has urged Brussels not to punish ordinary citizens, instead calling for targeted sanctions against Kremlin elites and regime loyalists.
