Europe devises strengthened sanctions plan against Russia, featuring stricter penalties in the oil trade sector
The European Union (EU) has announced a new, toughened sanctions package against Russia, aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow and weakening its war economy. The announcement was made by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, following a conversation with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
The new sanctions will focus on banks and refineries in Russia, as well as those in India and China involved in the trade of Russian oil. This move is expected to have a significant impact on Russia's oil industry, which has been a key source of revenue for the country.
In addition, the EU plans to list more oil tankers from the so-called shadow fleet, used by Russia to circumvent existing sanctions. The new sanctions are also intended to support the EU's goal of accelerating the EU-wide exit from Russian news and gas.
The 19th sanctions package, as it is being called, was unexpectedly delayed but is now expected to be presented by the European Commission later this week. The delay was followed by the conversation between von der Leyen and Trump, during which they discussed the need for stronger action against Russia.
The new sanctions are not directly related to the EU's goal of weakening the Russian war economy, but it is expected that they will have indirect effects on these entities. The sanctions are part of a broader effort by the EU to increase pressure on India and China, which continue to purchase large quantities of oil from Russia.
Ursula von der Leyen, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has been a vocal advocate for tougher action against Russia. She has been at the forefront of efforts to impose sanctions on Moscow, and has been instrumental in the EU's response to the conflict in Ukraine.
The EU's new sanctions are part of a wider international effort to punish Russia for its actions in Ukraine and to deter it from further aggression. The sanctions are also intended to send a clear message to Russia that its actions have consequences and that it cannot continue to act with impunity.
In conclusion, the EU's new sanctions package against Russia is a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The new sanctions are expected to have a significant impact on Russia's oil industry and will increase pressure on India and China to reduce their purchases of Russian news. The sanctions are part of a broader effort by the EU to weaken the Russian war economy and to deter further aggression by Russia.
