(Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU member states have adopted a wide-ranging new package of economic and individual restrictive measures against Russia.
This comes with this week’s significant milestone in the war in Ukraine – the third anniversary since the conflict started.
It also coincides with fresh attempts,including a meeting in the U.S on Friday between presidents Trump and Zelensky, aimed at finding a resolution to the long running war.
The new package, the 16th, touches on vital sectors of the Russian economy and will, says the EU,
- “further weaken the regime’s ability to wage its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.”
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, “For three years now, Russia has relentlessly bombed Ukraine , attempting to steal land that isn’t theirs to take.
“This new round of sanctions not only targets the Russian shadow fleet but those who support the operation of unsafe oil tankers, videogame controllers used to pilot drones, banks used to circumvent our sanctions, and propaganda outlets used to spout lies. There is no doubt about who the aggressor is, who should pay and be held accountable for this war. Every sanction package deprives the Kremlin of funds to wage war.
“With talks underway to end Russia’s aggression, we must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage.”
“For three years now, Russia has relentlessly bombed Ukraine , attempting to steal land that isn’t theirs to take. This new round of sanctions not only targets the Russian shadow fleet but those who support the operation of unsafe oil tankers, videogame controllers used to pilot drones, banks used to circumvent our sanctions, and propaganda outlets used to spout lies. There is no doubt about who the aggressor is, who should pay and be held accountable for this war.
“Every sanction package deprives the Kremlin of funds to wage war. With talks underway to end Russia’s aggression, we must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage.”
To mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the three main EU institutions, parliament, commission and council, also issued a get tough message to support Ukraine.
It reads,
“Ukraine is part of our European family. Ukrainians have expressed their wish for a future within the European Union. We have acknowledged that by granting Ukraine the status of candidate country and launched accession negotiations. Ukraine has made significant progress in accession related reforms under the most challenging circumstances. We are already integrating Ukraine into the EU’s internal market. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.
“In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine.
“We highlight the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula.
“We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.
Meanwhile, the Brussels based Foundation for European Progressive Studies, says it too
“continues to stand with the people of Ukraine and support its full independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
It says,
“There can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine and the EU at the table.”
It states,
“The social impacts of war must remain a central priority beyond immediate military and geopolitical dimensions. Peace cannot be defined solely in terms of defence capabilities or military expenditure. It must also mean protecting society’s social fabric.”
