Save yourself and leave: Kuleba offers special program to Russian soldiers unwilling to fight in Ukraine

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba suggests launching a special program for Russian soldiers who no longer want to fight in Ukraine.

“[The message]: save yourself and leave. Lay down arms, surrender to Ukrainian forces, and get an opportunity to start a new life. I am confident that this offer is worth making, because even if one Russian soldier lays down arms and decides to leave, it means saved Ukrainian lives and closer peace," Kuleba said in a statement emailed to Reuters.

Ukraine’s top diplomat also called on the European Union to ban the issuance of visas to Russian tourists, calling this measure expedient since the majority of Russians supported the country's genocidal aggression against Ukraine.

"The time for half-measures is gone. Only a tough and consistent policy can produce results. A visa ban for Russian tourists and some other categories will be an appropriate response to Russia's genocidal war of aggression in the heart of Europe supported by an overwhelming majority of Russian citizens," Kuleba said in his comments.

Earlier, the minister stated that the visa ban for Russian tourists was a matter of Europeans’ self-respect.

As reported, the EU foreign ministers will discuss the issues of war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine and tourist visas for Russians during an informal meeting in Prague on August 30-31.

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