President Volodymyr Zelenskyi believes that the only way to deter Russia’s desire to seize foreign territories is to ban Russians from visiting Western countries.

Straight talk: “The most important sanctions are closing the borders… let them live in their own world until they change their philosophy.”

Details: Zelensky noted that the sanctions already imposed on Russia for waging a full-scale war in Ukraine are “weak” compared to closing the borders to Russian citizens for at least one year and a full embargo on the purchase of Russian energy.

The publication reminds that Russian airlines were banned from flying over most of Europe and North America, which made it difficult for Russians to travel abroad. But there is no complete ban proposed by Zelensky. Russian citizens can still freely apply for visas and, for example, visit the United States.

At the same time, the author of the article writes, some critics claim that such a ban will be unfair to those who left Russia because of disagreement with Putin’s regime and his decision to attack Ukraine.

However, The Washington Post continues, Zelensky believes that all Russians without exception should return to Russia and stay there. And they should bear responsibility for Putin’s actions, because they elected him and are not fighting his regime.

Direct speech: “The population elected this government and does not fight with it, does not argue with it, does not shout at it…

Go and live there (in Russia). This is the only way to influence Putin.”