Dozens of Russians connected to President Vladimir Putin or the Russian military are still welcome in European Union countries, despite heavy sanctions intended to isolate Russia over the war in Ukraine. This has drawn criticism from politicians and antiwar activists who argue that these individuals should be held accountable for their ties to Putin and the ongoing conflict.
Among those who have faced criticism is Yelena Isinbayeva, an Olympic gold medal-winning Russian pole vaulter with close ties to Putin. She is currently living in a luxurious residence worth millions in Spain’s Canary Islands. Isinbayeva also holds the honorary rank of major in the Russian army.
The daughter and son-in-law of Boris Obnosov, head of the Russian-owned Tactical Missiles Corporation, continue to live in Prague, where the family owns numerous properties and luxury vehicles. The corporation produces missiles and aerial bombs that have been destroying Ukrainian cities and infrastructure for over a year.
Maria Kitayeva, a former adviser to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and an honorary major general, has made repeated trips to Hungary and Italy for shopping sprees over the past year. She is reportedly in a relationship with Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov.
Last month, 15 members of the European Parliament urged the European Commission to impose sanctions on Obnosov’s close family members. His daughter and son-in-law have lived in the Czech capital since 2020, where they reportedly own real estate worth more than $8 million.
Isinbayeva recently moved with her family to Tenerife, where they now spend time between luxury villas. According to an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, Isinbayeva bought two villas and a penthouse worth roughly $3.2 million, which allowed her to receive a Spanish residency permit, just two weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Despite the escalating conflict and Putin’s anti-Western rhetoric, Isinbayeva and other supporters of the Russian president and his war continue to frequent their homes in Europe or make shopping trips to European
What measures can the EU take to strengthen the enforcement of sanctions and prevent Russian individuals with close ties to Putin from freely accessing EU member states
Viduals should be banned from entering EU countries and that the sanctions are ineffective.
Numerous individuals linked to President Vladimir Putin and the Russian military, despite facing heavy sanctions aimed at isolating Russia over its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, are still being allowed into European Union (EU) countries. This leniency has sparked criticism from politicians and antiwar activists who maintain that these figures should be prohibited from entering EU territories, highlighting concerns over the efficacy of the imposed sanctions.
Despite the EU’s efforts to impose strict measures on Russia, including economic sanctions, asset freezes, and travel bans, many prominent Russians with close ties to Putin continue to freely access EU member states. These individuals, who hold key positions within the Russian government or military, are allegedly involved in supporting and perpetuating the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Politicians and antiwar activists argue that not only does this leniency undermine the intent behind the sanctions but it also sends a contradictory message to the international community regarding Europe’s commitment to addressing Russian aggression in Ukraine. Allowing these individuals to travel freely within EU countries implies a lack of seriousness in enforcing the sanctions imposed on Russia.
Critics further express concern that these Russians’ unhindered presence in EU countries provides them with a platform to conduct covert activities that may undermine European security. Their unrestricted movement enables them to potentially gather intelligence, establish networks, or engage in other actions that could compromise the stability of various EU states. As such, those advocating for a stricter approach argue that banning these individuals from entering EU countries is necessary to safeguard European security interests.
The controversy surrounding the lenient treatment of Russians connected to Putin and the Russian military has intensified the debate over the effectiveness of sanctions as a diplomatic tool. Critics argue that if the EU is serious about isolating Russia and deterring its aggressive actions, it must demonstrate greater commitment to enforcing the imposed measures. Failure to do so not only undermines the credibility of the sanctions but also undermines Europe’s stance on countering Russian aggression.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the controversy surrounding the allowance of Putin-linked individuals in EU countries persists. The voices calling for stricter measures grow louder, emphasizing the need to revise current policies and strengthen enforcement to effectively address the ongoing crisis. Only by demonstrating a united and unwavering front against Russian aggression can the EU hope to bring an end to the conflict and promote lasting stability in the region.
It’s concerning to see EU countries prioritizing personal relations over the need to hold accountable those connected to Putin’s regime.