KIEV: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced today that the cabinet has resolved to implement a visa regime for Russian citizens beginning July 1. The decision will put a stop to Russians' visa-free travel, which began when Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Shmyhal said in a social media post on Friday that the decision was made at the request of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Earlier in the day, Zelensky announced that owing to "unprecedented challenges to Ukraine's national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," the country has decided to end visa-free travel for Russian citizens.

Russian citizens did not need visas to enter Ukraine previously, and they were allowed to stay for no more than 90 days during the 180-day period following their initial entry.

Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, claimed the move was made in response to Russia's invasion, which began on February 24, and to strengthen his country's defence measures. "We need to increase our control over the admission of Russian nationals into our land due to the Russian Federation's full-scale conflict. The importance of security cannot be overstated." The two neighbours share a nearly 2,300-kilometer (1,400-mile) border and have deep family ties.

Zelensky, Johnson meet on defence security concern

Dragging Ukraine into NATO was a criminal act: Russia FM

Ukraine's EU integration: Zelensky meets European leaders