EU rejects passports issued by Russia in Georgian, Ukrainian occupied regions

The ambassadors of the European Union on Wednesday agreed on the non-recognition of international passports and travel documents issued by Russia in the occupied territories of Ukraine and Georgia.

Russian travel documents issued in regions occupied by Russia, Ukraine or separatist territories of Georgia will not be accepted for obtaining a visa or crossing the borders of the Schengen area.

According to the EU, this is a response to Russia’s “unjustified military aggression” against Ukraine and Russia’s unilateral decision to recognize the independence of Georgian territories, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).

“We will never recognize the violation of the fundamental rights of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and Georgia. The European Union stands united and firmly by the side of both countries and their people,” the statement of the European Council said.