Latvian PM calls on EU to end all tourist visas for Russians

Recently re-elected Krijnis Kari argues potential wave of Russians fleeing mobilisation poses security risk

Latvia's prime minister, Krijnis Kari, has called on EU leaders to stop all tourist visas for Russians, reigniting the debate about further tightening sanctions against Vladimir Putin's Russia.

Speaking to the Guardian, Kari rejected the idea that allowing Russians seeking to evade the draft to enter the EU would be a way to weaken the Kremlin's armed forces. He said it was understandable that many men would not wish to go and fight and likely die in Ukraine" and this could trigger a potential huge immigration wave coming from Russia", but contended that posed a security risk to Europe. I think the political dissenters have mostly already left. Then there will be economic opportunists, many, many other reasons and people with unknown loyalties."