Logo Polskiego Radia

EU rubberstamps Russia sanctions

PR dla Zagranicy
John Beauchamp 31.07.2014 13:58
The European Union has formally accepted a new package of sanctions which are to be imposed on Russia from Friday, 1 August.

Russian
Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on during a meeting with his adviser Mikhail Fedotov, Chairman of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Russia, 29 July 2014. EPA/MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV

New sanctions were on the cards for Moscow as both the EU and US try to step up their game amid ongoing tensions in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists allegedly shot down a Malaysian jetliner killing 298 people on 17 July.

The move follows a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels and an acceptance of the 28 member states on the form of the sanctions.

As reported earlier, the sanctions include a freeze on weapons sales, restrictions on Russian banks and access to EU capital markets, as well as an embargo on sales of high-tech solutions used in the oil and gas industry.

The sanctions are to last for one year and may be extended, although the first review is to take place within three months.

A number of individuals close to the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, have also been added to an extended EU blacklist of people involved with the ongoing annexation of Crimea as well as eastern Ukraine.

Moscow ‘bewildered’ by EU sanctions

Meanwhile, Russia has backlashed against the embargo, first slapping an embargo on the import of Polish fruit and vegetables, but also suggesting that it may raise energy prices for the EU.

In a strongly-worded statement issued by Russia’s foreign ministry, Moscow is “bewildered” by EU’s decision to increase sanctions, maintaining that “Russia is not involved in the armed conflict in Ukraine”.

“Obsessed with sanctions, Brussels is itself creating barriers for further cooperation in such a key sector as the energy industry,” the statement continues, adding that “it is a senseless and irresponsible step, which will inevitably cause European energy market prices to rise”.

“With regard to the difficulties that may arise in certain sectors of the Russian economy, they, no doubt, will be overcome. The efficiency and self-sufficiency of our economy will rise,” the statement concludes defiantly. (jb)

Source: PAP/EU Observer/mid.ru

Print
Copyright © Polskie Radio S.A About Us Contact Us