Bloc lines up latest sanctions amid divisions over their effectiveness at curbing Moscow’s war machine
EU foreign ministers are discussing a ban on Russian gold imports, the most significant measure in a limited plan by the bloc to further curb funding for the Kremlin’s war machine.
Borrell laid bare the disagreements, telling journalists on arriving at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday: “There is a big debate about are the sanctions effective, are the sanctions affecting us more than Russia. Some European leaders have been saying that the sanctions were an error, was a mistake; well, I don’t think it was a mistake.”
Ukraine’s special envoy on sanctions, Oleksiy Makeyev, said he would “not underestimate the meaning” of the latest EU sanctions. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said sanctions pressure was increasing on Moscow, and he predicted the Russian economy would contract at least 10% by the end of the year.
Before the invasion of Ukraine, the EU did far more trade with Russia than any of those countries and was heavily dependent on Russian gas. The bloc has in effect, but diplomats say the Kremlin’s decision to cut supplies is having the same effect. “Putin’s decisions are making it go faster than if we had a gas package,” a senior EU diplomat said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia-Ukraine war: Russian forces ‘preparing’ for new offensive – latest updatesMoscow’s forces shelling ‘entire frontline’ and readying fresh push, says Ukraine; all bodies identified after deadly Vinnytsia attack
Read more »
EU marks eighth anniversary of MH17 downing
Read more »
Conservative leadership race live: Rishi Sunak says he will ‘scrap or reform all EU law, red tape and bureaucracy’Tory leadership candidates prepare for second TV debate as Monday’s round of voting looms
Read more »
Christian lobby weighs in on potential ban on conversion 'therapy'Ahead of a potential change in law to ban conversion practice in Tasmania, a petition being pushed by the Christian lobby says the community has been 'taken by surprise' by the push to outlaw conversion practices and urges it be reconsidered.
Read more »
'I'm fine': Julie Bishop speaks after being dumped by boyfriendThe former foreign minister opened up about the end of her eight-year relationship with her boyfriend David Panton before she spoke about her newest venture that saw her star in a campaign video alongside Hollywood A-listers.
Read more »