The Prime Minister of the German federal state of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, called the EU decision to completely suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Russia a "big mistake". It is reported by Radio Lausitz.

In his opinion, cutting off the path to the EU for citizens of the Russian Federation who do not want to do military service or participate in the conflict on the territory of Ukraine was a big mistake.

He added that there are also many people in the Russian Federation who would like to learn a profession or study in Germany.

Earlier, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson confirmed the introduction of strict EU restrictions on visas for Russians. According to her, Russians can no longer be tourists in Europe, this is a privilege, and Europeans no longer want to give this privilege to Russian citizens.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he had decided to conduct a military special operation to protect Donbass in response to a request for help from the heads of the LPR and DPR.

The decision to conduct the operation was the reason for new sanctions against Russia by the United States and its allies.

Gazeta.Ru is broadcasting online.