Here is what Russia’s favorite journey vloggers consider the EU’s new visa guidelines

Petr – a preferred journey vlogger – does not maintain again when speaking about new EU visa restrictions geared toward Russian vacationers. 

“That is utterly unfair. The people who find themselves for Putin do not care – they both don’t have any cash or have by no means been overseas,” says the 41-year-old YouTuber. 

“The EU is making life as troublesome as potential for many who try to struggle the regime,” Petr provides. 

He’s certainly one of thousands and thousands of Russian set to be hit by tighter guidelines on stepping into Europe because the EU steps up sanctions in opposition to the Kremlin over its conflict with Ukraine. 

The bloc this week dominated to overturn a 2007 settlement easing visa necessities for Russians coming into the Schengen zone, which means it can take longer and be extra expensive.

However journey vloggers who entertain thousands and thousands of Russians with their journeys throughout Europe and past informed Euronews the sanctions are unlikely to weaken Moscow. 

‘Sanctions goal these in opposition to the conflict’

Petr Lovigin, who has 586,000 subscribers on YouTube, mentioned the journey sanctions had “focused those that are in opposition to the conflict”.

He entertains his followers with tongue-in-cheek movies from European nations like Belgium and Portugal, the place he not too long ago obtained a short-term residency visa. 

However Lovigin admits that his content material will “slim” as he’s to be hit by the extra stringent visa measures launched by the EU. 

“I feel that that is utterly unfair as a result of not less than amongst younger Russians, I’ve hardly met anybody who helps the conflict,” Lovigin mentioned. 

“The European Union thereby makes life as troublesome as potential for many who try to struggle the regime.

“It will not assist. I nonetheless don’t see a single sanction from the West that will cease this conflict and Putin’s actions.

“The conflict is supported by the poor strata of the inhabitants, sitting in entrance of the TV and believing in propaganda.”

‘EU will increase help for Putin’

Leanid Pashkouski, a 34-year-old vlogger from Belarus, described the sanctions as “mindless” and mentioned they might assist Vladmir Putin. 

With over 1.1million subscribers, his latest movies have coated the conflict in Ukraine and the refugee disaster. 

Pashkouski shouldn’t be straight affected by the EU’s new visa restrictions however mentioned he fears being impacted as he claimed the EU “usually equates Russia and Belarus”. 

“I feel these restrictions are simply mindless, ineffective strikes made by the EU authorities as an alternative of doing actual issues,” mentioned Pashkouski, a YouTuber for 5 years. 

“They in all probability appear to be severe sanctions to the European public and make them calmer in regards to the Russian query.

“In actuality it received’t cease Putin, it received’t assist to win the conflict, it will not even stop the Russians from travelling.”

Pashkouski added: “As a substitute, such sanctions may undoubtedly have an reverse impact: individuals in Russia will consolidate an increasing number of round Putin’s ideology – as a result of they see the entire world hating and cancelling them.

“What’s the greatest response to hate? To face collectively in opposition to the enemy. It means visa ban finish restrictions simply will assist Putin to realize his aim.

“Additionally, those that have the chance to journey are in opposition to the regime more often than not, so the EU is hitting its allies.”

Pashkouski mentioned that the tighter necessities may put some Russians at risk by making it harder to go away the nation. 

“Such a method is completely mindless and ineffective. 

“It places at risk many activists, journalists and residents who want or will want a protected place to flee,” he mentioned.