European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented today proposals for new sanctions against Russia. The Commission proposes to ban imports of Russian liquefied gas, impose additional restrictions on Russian banks and on exports to Russia of certain goods, BTA reports.
In the past month, Russia has shown contempt for diplomacy and international law, launched some of the largest air strikes against Ukraine since the beginning of the war, hit government buildings and citizens' homes, and hit the EU representation in Kiev, Von der Leyen noted. Threats to the EU are growing, in the past two weeks Russian drones have violated the airspace of Poland and Romania. These are not the actions of someone who wants peace. In response, Europe is increasing pressure, she added.
Von der Leyen noted that Russia's military economy is supported by revenues from the sale of fossil fuels. We want to reduce these revenues, she pointed out. According to her, the EC is proposing a ban on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) into European markets. It is time to turn off the tap, we are ready, diversify supplies and invest in low-carbon energy sources, she added. According to her, it is planned to expand the list of sanctioned ships to 560 vessels, impose a complete ban on trade with "Rosneft" and "Gazpromneft". The Commission envisages measures against refineries, oil traders, petrochemical companies in countries outside the EU, including China. In three years, Russia's oil sales to Europe have fallen by 90 percent, now we are turning this page forever, said von der Leyen.
She added that a ban on transactions with more banks in Russia and with banks in other countries is proposed. We are strengthening measures against sanctions circumvention, crypto platforms will be affected for the first time and transactions in cryptocurrencies will be banned. We are listing foreign banks associated with Russian alternative payment systems, we are limiting transactions with organizations in special economic zones, von der Leyen pointed out.
According to her, it is also planned to expand the list of goods and technologies used on the battlefield that are prohibited for direct export to Russia.
The sanctions are severely affecting the Russian economy, the interest rate is 17 percent, inflation is constantly high. Russia's access to financing and revenues is constantly decreasing. We know that our sanctions are an effective means of economic pressure. We will continue to use them until Russia sits down at the negotiating table with Ukraine for a just and lasting peace, said Von der Leyen.
The European Commission's proposals are subject to unanimous approval by EU countries in order to be implemented.