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Estonia Pushes EU Lifetime Schengen Ban on Russian Fighters

4/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Estonia urges a lifetime Schengen ban on Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine, warning they could become private armies.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal proposed the ban at a meeting in Cyprus and asked the European Commission to draft it for the summit.
The European Council incorporated the proposal into its March summit conclusions, asked the Commission to assess options, and said Estonia has barred 1,300 Russian fighters, urging EU cooperation.

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Story summary

Estonia urges a lifetime Schengen ban on Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine, warning they could become private armies.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal proposed the ban at a meeting in Cyprus and asked the European Commission to draft it for the summit.
The European Council incorporated the proposal into its March summit conclusions, asked the Commission to assess options, and said Estonia has barred 1,300 Russian fighters, urging EU cooperation.