Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) Foreign Relations and Security Policy, said that they could take the decision on military aid to Ukraine in October.
Borrell, who was in New York within the scope of the 77th United Nations General Assembly Meetings, made statements to the journalists regarding the agenda.
Responding to Russia’s claims that most of the grain exported from Ukraine went to the EU, Borrell said, “Most of the grain exports from Ukraine went to countries in need. Look at the data. Look at the statistics. Two-thirds of Ukraine’s exports went to Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Regarding the EU’s military aid decision to Ukraine, Borrell said, “I hope we can take this decision at the EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in October… We can bring a proposal to the table at the foreign ministers meeting in October, and this will be a very quick procedure.” .
Josep Borrell did not share details about what his military aid would cover.
FINANCIAL CRISIS WARNING FROM BORRELL
Reminding that they talked about Afghanistan at the general assembly meetings last year, Borrell said that this year they will discuss the war in Ukraine and its effects.
“The war in Ukraine is not just a war in Ukraine.” said Borrell, continuing as follows:
“The Ukrainians are fighting, they are bombarded with missiles. The rest of the world is affected by rising energy and food prices, rising insecurity and high interest rates. We could describe it as a perfect storm where war-induced high energy and food prices are creating an impending financial crisis.”
Borrell stated that they will discuss these issues with the foreign ministers of EU countries, and they will discuss what they can do against the Russian rhetoric, which emphasizes that these problems arise due to EU sanctions.
Stating that their agenda includes the crisis between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the problems between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in Central Asia, Borrell noted that the main agenda item is the effects of the war in Ukraine.
SWITZERLAND GIVES VISA TO OVER 9 THOUSAND RUSSIAN CITIZENS THIS YEAR
More than 9,000 Russian citizens have been granted tourist visas in Switzerland this year.
In the news in the Swiss newspaper NZZ, it was reported that after the Ukraine war, many European countries canceled the visa agreement, and Russian citizens directed their travel routes to Switzerland.
In the news, it was noted that the Swiss authorities have approved the visa applications of more than 9,000 Russian citizens since the beginning of the year, and the incoming tourists mostly stay in the country for more than 3 days.
It is stated in the news that there are Russian citizens who obtained visas from other countries and entered Switzerland by land, and that towards the end of July, hotels throughout Switzerland made 61 thousand 214 reservations for Russian tourists.
While many European countries canceled their visa agreements with Russia due to the attacks on Ukraine, Switzerland’s failure to take steps in this regard caused reactions.
Upon the reactions, the government announced on September 16 that it had unilaterally terminated the agreement that provided visa facilitation to Russia.
SANCTION ON IRAN CARGO AIRPLANES FLYING FROM USA TO RUSSIA
The US Department of Commerce placed three Boeing 747 aircraft, which provide cargo services to Russia and operated by Iranian airlines, on the sanctions list for violating US export controls.
The US has put cargo planes operated by Iranian airlines on the sanctions list. The US Department of Commerce stated that 3 Boeing 747 aircraft operated by Iranian airlines, which provide cargo services to Russia, have been placed on the sanctions list on the grounds that they violated US export controls, within the framework of the sanctions imposed by the US administration due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was stated that the Bureau of Industry and Security of the US Department of Commerce determined that the aircraft operated by Mahan Air, Qeshm Fars Air and Iran Air were flying to Russia, in clear violation of strict export controls on Russia. The ministry said it currently lists a total of 183 aircraft in clear violation of US export controls.
The three Iranian airlines in question are currently subject to various restrictions by the US government.
POLAND AND BALTIC COUNTRIES CLOSED THEIR BORDERS TO RUSSIAN CITIZENS
Poland and the Baltic countries Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have closed their borders to Russian citizens as of today due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European countries are increasing restrictions on Russia. Poland and the Baltic countries Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have closed their borders to Russian citizens as of today. Russian dissidents, diplomats, people dealing with transport business, family members of EU citizens and those who have a residence permit in EU countries will be exempted from the restriction, which includes all Russian citizens who will visit the European Union (EU) countries for touristic or non-essential purposes, including those with Schengen visas.
In the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, it was stated that the majority of the citizens of the Russian Federation supported the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, and it was emphasized that this decision was extremely justified.
“A POLITICAL PROVOCATION AND A THREAT TO OUR SECURITY”
In a statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, “While the attacks in Ukraine continue, the touristic trips of the citizens of this aggressive state to our countries are not only moral, but also a political provocation and a threat to our security,” the statement said.
In the statement made by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was underlined that Russian agents use tourist visas. The Lithuanian side stated that limiting the issuance of visas to Russian citizens would be a fair and effective method.
Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and Poland announced in a joint statement earlier this month that travel restrictions for Russian citizens will come into effect on September 19.