European Union expands sanctions against Russia

According to the German news agency (DPA), the 13th package of sanctions by the European Union (EU) against Russia is being discussed as the conflict in Ukraine is about to enter its third year.

The new sanctions, which are expected to be discussed and adopted by EU members by February 24, target 200 Russian entities and individuals. The European Commission is said to have discussed the package over the weekend before making a formal proposal.

The European Union's new sanctions package is expected to target 200 Russian entities and individuals. (Photo: Reuters)

Although the new sanctions package represents a “significant expansion” of the list of Russian individuals and companies whose assets in the EU are frozen.

Also according to DPA , the new EU sanctions package is not expected to include an import ban on Russian exports. The European Commission hopes this move will limit disputes between the bloc's member states and push for the new sanctions package to be adopted soon.

In early February, DPA reported that Poland and the Baltic states had called for a ban on imports of Russian aluminum and liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, Hungary opposed the proposal.

The EU's move also shows that the scope of new sanctions against Russia is increasingly narrowing.

The biggest problem, Politico quoted a senior EU diplomat as saying, is that “all of Russia’s major exports are either sanctioned or irreplaceable goods like nuclear fuel or LNG.”

Meanwhile, another EU diplomat told the Financial Times that after two years of conflict the European Union could only impose limited sanctions on Russia.

According to DPA , the two-year anniversary of the conflict could also see a landmark decision on transferring the proceeds of frozen Russian assets to Kiev.

In early February, EU members approved a mechanism that would allow the exploitation of billions of dollars in Russian reserves frozen in the bloc.

Moscow has previously warned repeatedly that any seizure of Russian assets by the US and its allies would lead to similar countermeasures.

Tra Khanh (Source: russian.rt.com)

Source: https://vtc.vn/lien-minh-chau-au-mo-rong-lenh-trung-phat-nga-ar852025.html