Russians are afraid of losing freedom to travel in  Europe: increasing numbers of people applying for Schengen visas - Center for Countering Disinformation

The Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine shared the details on Telegram.

"Due to calls to limit the departure of Russians to the EU by 40%, the number of people willing to issue a Schengen visa has increased", it is noted. 

According to updated statistics from the Russian Federation, 69% of Russians have never been outside the country. Only 9% left, but more than ten years ago. During the same years, 17% left for other regions of Russia, while 30% had never been to other regions of their country.

In general, in 2014, 76% of Russians did not have a foreign passport due to a lack of money for tourism.

74% of tourists from Russia supported the war in Ukraine at the end of March. Currently, 69% favor and 23% oppose military actions. And 60% of respondents support Putin regarding the start of a new offensive on Kyiv.

Among the surveyed Russians, 52% want the continuation of the war and 38% want peace negotiations. 

"For some Russians, the fear of losing freedom of movement in Europe should prompt them to reconsider their views on war", the agency commented.