PRAGUE, June 22 – RIA Novosti. Entry visas to the Czech Republic, as well as long-term residence permits in the republic, will not be issued to citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus until March 2023, solution this was accepted by the government of the country at the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The press service said that the purpose of this measure is to pressure the authorities of the Russian Federation and Belarus to end hostilities in Ukraine, as well as the security interests of the Czech Republic.

Citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus who already hold a long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic can apply for an extension of this permit in accordance with the established regime.

Russia launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24. President Vladimir Putin described his goal as “protecting people who have been subjected to eight years of bullying and genocide by the Kyiv regime.” According to him, for this it is planned “demilitarization and gentrification of Ukraine” in order to bring to justice all war criminals responsible for “bloody crimes against civilians” in Donbass.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces attack only the military infrastructure and Ukrainian troops, and as of March 25 they have completed the main tasks of the first stage – they have significantly reduced the combat potential of Ukraine. The main goal in the Russian military department was called the liberation of Donbass.