Moscow: Russia will introduce retaliatory steps after the EU moves to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats inside the bloc, but those measures will not affect ordinary travelers or tourism, Moscow's envoy to France said on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Russian Ambassador Alexey Meshkov told Rossiya-24 broadcaster that Moscow is preparing its response ahead of the EU's new rules taking effect on January 25, 2026. He emphasized that their actions are not aimed at ordinary people, stating that although retaliatory measures will be taken, they will not include a reduction in travel or tourism.

Meshkov described the EU's restrictions as a political maneuver rather than a security necessity, highlighting that these will complicate the operations of Russian embassies across the EU. The sanctions, part of the EU's 19th sanctions package, will confine Russian diplomats to their accredited state and require them to notify authorities for visits or transits to other EU countries, with member states potentially demanding prior authorization.

The EU has announced these new restrictions as a part of broader efforts to increase pressure on Moscow amid the Russia-Ukraine war. The bloc claims the measures are intended to enhance oversight of Russian diplomatic activities, while Moscow has accused Brussels of politicizing standard diplomatic operations.