“We want Russia to leave the battlefield and come to the negotiating table and this is the way to give peace a real opportunity,” the Commission President said today, presenting the new package, 19th in a row, sanctions against it.
One of the most important parameters of sanctions is that concerns the complete ban on imports of Russian LNG (liquefied natural gas) by the Member States within two years.
Specifically: Belgium, France, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain. This development is considered key, as it comes into alignment with the wishes of US President Donald Trump, who is pushing the EU and NATO to completely stop the imports of Russian energy.
It is recalled that the majority of Member States have pledged to terminate the imports of Russian mineral fuels by the end of 2027, a goal that von der Layen has expressed the intention of further speeding up.
What do sanctions include
In terms of sanctions as a whole, these include three areas:
Initially, the energy sector. In addition to the aforementioned ban on imports of Russian LNG in European markets, it is foreseen to reduce the ceiling for Russian crude oil to $ 47.60.
Also include the imposition of sanctions on 118 additional ships of the so -called “shadow fleet”. Overall, over 560 ships are now on the EU sanctions list. “The big energy trading companies, Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, are now under full trading, while other companies will be subject to assets.” “We are now aiming for those who feed the Russian war by buying oil in violation of sanctions. We are targeting refineries, oil traders, companies in third countries, including China, “the president said.
The second sector in which sanctions focus is none other than the financial “windows” used by Russia to bypass them. “We are imposing a ban on transactions on additional Russian banks, but also on third -country banks.” “For the first time, our restrictive measures will also extend to cryptocurrency platforms, banning transactions with them. We register foreign banks associated with alternative Russian payment systems and limit transactions with entities found in special economic zones, “said von der Layen.
The third axis of sanctions are the new, immediate export restrictions on species and war technologies. “We register 45 companies in Russia and in third countries. These companies provided immediate or indirect support to the Russian military-industrial complex. “
“Our sanctions seriously affect the Russian economy. The interest rate is at 17%. Inflation remains high. Russia’s access to funds and revenue is steadily decreasing, “says von der Lien and talked about a plan on which the committee works. “With the cash linked to these assets, we can grant Ukraine a loan of compensation to Ukraine. The assets themselves will not be affected and the risk should be collectively covered. Ukraine will only repay the loan when Russia pays compensation. We will present the proposal soon, “the Commission President concluded.
The target and the US factor
It is recalled that European leaders are committed to maintaining pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine, amid growing diplomatic efforts to force the Kremlin to negotiate.
However, officials have admitted in particular that the most effective measures would only come if the US agrees on strict economic restrictions and stricter imposition. A high -level technical team was sent by Brussels to Washington last week and talks are still ongoing.
US President Donald Trump, however, said he would agree on “significant” sanctions against Russia if NATO countries complete their departure from Russian oil – a difficult requirement as countries such as Turkey, Hungary and Slovakia have refused.
Trump reiterated his call during a state visit to the United Kingdom this week, saying “if the price of oil is reduced, Putin will leave … there will be no choice. He will leave this war. “
Responding to the package, Ukrainian sanctions Commissioner Vladislav Vlasiuk said, “of course, we want as many strict sanctions as possible. But we also understand that some of the measures are more difficult to adopt than others and we have great respect for our partners for the effort they have made so far. “
“This is just the beginning,” he added. “We will see many developments in the field of sanctions in the coming weeks and months.”
