Lithuanian Foreign Ministry has warned its citizens to be careful while picking their travel destinations, suggesting they rather opt for places that are not packed with Russian tourists.
According to Inga Cerniuk, the Foreign Ministry Chancellor, political tensions may emerge in countries that are frequently visited by Russian tourists, having in mind the EU sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
If we can choose a European destination, let’s choose it.
She also told LRT Radio that some countries are trying to ‘please’ Russian tourists, claiming they view things ‘differently’ and that they are in a ‘grey zone’ regarding their position over the war in Ukraine.
Thailand, Türkiye & Egypt Among “Russian-Pleasing” Countries
The Chancellor names Thailand, Türkiye, and Egypt as countries that are taking a neutral stance over the war in Ukraine, which can be a result of these countries trying to maintain and attract Russian tourists.
Take Egypt, Türkiye, and Thailand, for example; they’re packed with Russian tourists, and the additional risks of conflicts among tourists have increased significantly.
She also noted that similar tensions can occur in countries like Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia, saying that some societies do not share “the same values with Lithuania” which could lead to polarised interactions.
Incidents With Russian Tourists on the Rise Since Aggressive Military Invasion of Ukraine
The chancellor pointed out that actively expressing opinions or making statements regarding the war in Ukraine, can lead to more serious conflicts when tourists may need consular assistance.
Previously, some Lithuanian tourists in Egypt shouted “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) during a karaoke night.
The move provoked Russian tourists, who threw glasses at them, and Lithuanians eventually decided to leave the hotel altogether.
Unruly Russian tourists have been quite common around the world in recent years. Previously, the media reported on an incident in Budva, Montenegro, where intoxicated Russian tourists attacked the owner of a resort and a waiter.
In Bali, Russian tourists have been recorded as the top traffic law violators, receiving the most tickets. Local media reports that a total of 171 foreign tourist violations were recorded in the first quarter of 2023, with 56 of those incidents involving Russian nationals.
Due to EU sanctions, espionage allegations, and political interference, there has been a notable increase in the expulsion of Russian diplomats from various countries in recent years. The data show that the number of expelled Russian diplomats across Europe has been especially high after the war in Ukraine occurred.
