Following an announcement of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, head of the Russian mercenary Wagner group on Friday, that he is preparing to overthrow the Russian military leadership, the European Union countries bordering Russia have immediately taken measures to protect their territory, security and safety of citizens.
Finland and the Baltic states – Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – have immediately warned their citizens to refrain from travelling to Russia while also assuring foreign travellers that their territory has not been affected by the situation in Russia, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds once again about the current recommendations for citizens of the Republic of Lithuania not to travel to Russia and Belarus, and urges citizens of the Republic of Lithuania temporarily staying in Russia and Belarus to leave the country immediately,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania has warned, while similar statements have been made by the other countries as well.
Coordinated and enhanced border crossing control measures by the four countries on the border with Russia have been introduced shortly after. Possible complete closure of the borders with Russia, as well as Belarus, has also been warned if the situation escalates, though such a measure has been deemed not necessary at the moment.
Visa measures have also been taken.
“Just like last September when the mobilization started in Russia, we said, and we can say now, that whether it was the mobilization or the current events in Russia, it is not a reason to issue a humanitarian visa or any other type of visa to someone, or soften the rules of entry into Latvia,” the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs has announced.
He has also warned that the country will not offer any type of reception for people claiming they have been part of the coup or those fleeing the coup.
Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo, has also confirmed that Finland and the Baltic states agreed on close cooperation in order to stay prepared for any kind of danger that may threaten their territory and citizens.
Other heads of the EU states have also offered their support to Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania, with the Elysee noting that French President Emmanuel Macron is “closely” monitoring the situation. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky has also warned Czech citizens against travel to Russia, adding that the Czech government is monitoring the situation too.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has condemned Prigozhin’s military coup, calling it a criminal adventure, betrayal and a backstab, in a public address on Saturday.
Prigozhin, on the other hand, has called the move a march of justice, insisting that “this is not a military coup.” The group claims to have taken control of a key military facility in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and another base in Voronezh.