The European Commission has proposed a nineteenth package deal of sanctions against Russia to member states, in accordance with its president Ursula von der Leyen Friday, as she stated Europe is rising its strain on Moscow in gentle of its shows of “contempt for diplomacy and international law” over the previous month.
Von der Leyen cited latest large-scale drone and missile assaults against Ukraine, in addition to the violation of EU airspace with Russian drones in Poland and Romania, as causes for the brand new sanctions package deal.
“Again and again, President Putin has escalated. And in response, Europe is increasing its pressure,” she stated, in accordance with an EU Commission press launch.
As half of the measures, Von der Leyen stated the Commission will ban imports of Russian Liquified Natural Gas.
“Russia’s war economy is sustained by revenues from fossil fuels. We want to cut these revenues,” she stated.
She added that the Commission had been getting ready for this transfer by saving power, diversifying provides and investing in low-carbon sources.
The Commission stated it’s going to additionally goal the monetary loopholes utilized by Russia to evade sanctions by placing a transaction ban on further banks in Russia and on banks in third international locations.
The EU’s overseas coverage chief Kaja Kallas additionally on Friday stated it was looking for to “make it easier to sanction individuals involved in the abduction and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.”
Western leaders have been urging US President Donald Trump to take a stronger line on Russia. Last week nonetheless Trump issued an ultimatum to NATO allies in a letter, saying the US will concern “major” sanctions on Russia solely when they comply with do the identical and cease shopping for oil from Russia.