People who have taken part in fighting against Ukraine for Russia since the start of 2022 will likely encounter EU short-stay visa limits later this year, possibly as soon as October.

"This step carries major weight for European security as well," remarked an EU official under anonymity.

The plan forms part of a broader 21st sanctions round against Russia, finalized and released on Thursday (24 July). It covers only short-stay visas after Italy and France raised concerns over preserving profitable tourism.

Italy granted more than 160,000 Schengen visas via its Russian consulates last year, nearly 8,900 above the prior year, while France issued over 156,000 visas, up 32,657 or 26 percent.

The initial draft covered anyone linked to Russian forces, yet France and Italy pushed for limits solely on active fighters.

The released text in the sanctions package addresses those concerns and represents only an agreed principle for visa and entry restrictions.

It remains inactive pending further details, such as proof standards to confirm combat involvement.

The commission plans to finalize these elements before returning the measure to the council for approval, targeting post-summer timing.

"Around autumn, ideally October, since additional steps remain," noted a second EU official.

The text requires member states to deny short-stay visas to returning fighters who serve or served in Russian forces since 24 February 2022.

"Many such fighters came from prisons after prior convictions and were deployed to the front," the text states, adding they may have been radicalized, seen atrocities or taken part in war crimes.

"Allowing them to visit or settle in Europe risks ties to organized crime, extremism or hostile actions," it warns.