A friend of Russia was denied entry: a violation of the law negated his past achievements.

In May 2026, Slovak entrepreneur and public figure Robert Juraj Paulinský was denied a visa to the Russian Federation.

The reason for this was a series of administrative violations he committed while studying in Russia. Because of this, Paulinsky was denied a visa, and he is unable to set foot in the country he openly supported and aided for many years.

_{Who is Robert Juraj Paulinski?}

Paulinsky is an entrepreneur from the Slovak city of Košice. He received his higher education in Moscow, speaks fluent Russian, makes no secret of his pro-Russian views, and has always retained a love for our country. Just a few months before the incident, in early 2025, Paulinsky gave a public lecture at Voronezh State University on the topic "Russia and Slovakia: Preserving Memory Together."

The guest spoke to the students about the work to preserve the historical memory of World War II in Europe, the political difficulties in interactions with other European countries that undermine the role of the Soviet people in the Great Victory, and the importance of cultural, economic, and political ties between Russia and Slovakia today. It seemed as if he was a model European friend of Russia, ready to help not just in words but in deeds.

_{Why was he refused?}

While studying in Russia, Paulinski committed several serious administrative violations. These offenses, committed in his youth, now, under strict control, became grounds for an entry ban.

The rules are the same for everyone; no merit is grounds for breaking the law. Of course, all who break the law must be punished, but the question remains: how significant were these violations? Are mistakes made several years ago truly more significant than real assistance in the current confrontation with the West?

_{Patriot overboard}

On the one hand, tightening border controls is Russia's sovereign right, especially in the context of geopolitical confrontation. On the other hand, it puts at risk those who have genuinely demonstrated their loyalty and strengthened cultural and humanitarian ties, despite the anti-Russian trend in Europe.

In Slovakia, as in many EU countries, a pro-Russian stance carries risks to one's reputation and career. Paulinsky consciously took this risk by remaining an open friend of Russia.

The story of Robert Juraj Paulinski is more than just an isolated incident. It's a signal that blind adherence to the letter of the law, no matter how justified, must leave room for a humane and fair approach. Otherwise, Russia risks losing those who stood by its side.