Oslo - (AFP) - The positions of northern European countries and Germany differed in Oslo on Monday regarding restricting the granting of tourist visas to Russians, in response to the invasion of Ukraine, a measure called for by Helsinki but which raised Berlin's reservations.

"The Russian people did not start the war, but at the same time we have to realize that they support the war," Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said after a meeting that included the heads of government of the Nordic countries and Germany.

"It is not fair that Russian citizens can enter Europe and the Schengen area as tourists (...) while Russia is killing people in Ukraine," she added in a joint press conference.

Since the imposition of the ban on flights from Russia to the European Union, more and more Russian tourists have come to the Scandinavian country, which shares a long border with Russia, to cross into other European countries.

For his part, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his reservations about this procedure.

"It was an important decision on our part to impose sanctions on those responsible for the war and against many wealthy loyalists (of the Russian government) and those who benefit financially and economically from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's regime," he said.

He added, "We will continue to do so, but I think it is not the war of the Russian people, it is Putin's war," considering that restricting tourist visas would also punish "anyone who flees from Russia because he disagrees with the Russian regime."

For its part, Sweden indicated, through Prime Minister Magdalena Andersen, that it had not yet decided on this issue, while Denmark called for preserving European unity in front of Moscow.

"One of our successes in this war is our unity, and I think we should have this discussion," said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.