Estonia has been leading the charge within the European Union to restrict tourist visas for Russian citizens, according to Minister of the Interior Igor Taro. Speaking on the Kuku radio program "Sihik," Taro stated that Estonia's consistent pressure has led to a shift in the rhetoric of member states and the stance of the European Commission. Estonia ceased issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens immediately after Russia launched its full-scale aggression in Ukraine and also denies entry to Russian citizens who hold tourist visas issued by any other Schengen country.

"Estonia does not let them in: they are formally denied entry and sent back," Taro said, adding that this policy applies at both land borders and airports. He emphasized that Estonia's position has been clear from the start, stating, "You cannot come to enjoy the Tallinn Christmas market while your country is bombing Ukraine."

Taro noted that Estonia has consistently raised the visa issue at meetings of EU interior ministers. He expressed concern that nearly half a million visas were issued to Russian citizens in eight months, according to last year's Schengen barometer, and the trend was increasing. "I said that this is completely unacceptable," Taro recalled. He explained that while the rhetoric of countries issuing the most visas has become more apologetic, the problem persists. "Ukrainians are dying every day, and you are letting Russian citizens travel just for fun, because the Kremlin's goal is to show that nothing significant has happened."

In other news, an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has uncovered how women across the globe have been lured into costly online relationships via dating websites operated by two Maltese companies. The companies at the center of the allegations include Social Discovery Group and SOL Networks, which are based in Sliema and Gzira. They were founded by Russian national Dmitry Volkov, who controls more than 60 global dating brands.

The ICIJ's investigation centers on pay-per-message dating platforms such as AmoLatina, Dating.com, and DateMyAge, which charge users for every interaction, including opening photos and videos. According to the reporting, women from Europe, the Americas, and Australia described being drawn into emotionally intense relationships that never moved to live video or real-world meetings, while their credit balances drained away.

Additionally, the European Union has imposed sanctions on Prince Group and its Chairman Chen Zhi over allegations of cyber-scams and forced labor. The sanctions target the group's involvement in illicit activities, including cyber-scams and forced labor practices.

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