Ukrainians visa-free in Schengen Area; passport-free in Turkey

Visa-free Schengen Area travel for Ukrainians was formalized by the European Parliament and European Council in Strasbourg on Wednesday, May 17. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko was on hand for the signing ceremony. RFE/RL quotes Poroshenko as stating that with this act, “Ukraine says a final farewell to the Soviet and Russian Empire.”

Also on Wednesday, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved passport-free travel between Ukraine and Turkey. The Daily Sabah reported on May 17 that the agreement, signed by PM Volodymyr Groysman in March, allows the countries’ citizens to travel to the other country while possessing only their national identity documents.

James Hydzik: While this is not a “final farewell” – compared to implementing a visa regime for Russians coming to Ukraine – the events in Strasbourg are of historical importance for Ukraine, and the Cabinet’s approval should not be discounted, either. Ukrainians now have greater freedom to go and conduct business in nearby markets than ever before. Any increase in popularity for President Poroshenko would need to be nurtured with significant reform at home, especially regarding corruption, for the rise to last.