#visa-bans

#visa-bans

Estonia, which borders Russia, has called for a Europe-wide visa ban on Russian veterans of the Ukraine war, and has gained support from Baltic and Nordic countries. Its interior ministry estimates as many as 1.5 million Russians have taken part in the invasion, about half of them having served on the frontline. Estonia's interior minister, Igor Taro, said the threat posed was not theoretical, adding that the Russians had combat experience and military training, and may often have a criminal background.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterised the individuals as radical activists who had advanced censorship crackdowns by foreign states against American speakers and American companies. For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose. The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship, he added.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio said the five people targeted with visa bans who include former European Commissioner Thierry Breton have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize, and suppress American viewpoints they oppose. These radical activists and weaponized NGOs have advanced censorship crackdowns by foreign states in each case targeting American speakers and American companies, Rubio said in an announcement.