The European Union has initiated discussions on a new, 13th package of sanctions against Russia, aiming to have it ratified by February 24th, the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This information was reported by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter, and conveyed by "European Truth."
The potential measures under consideration could include new listings, more trade restrictions, and efforts to combat Moscow's ongoing attempts to circumvent the EU's sanctions through third countries and companies within the EU itself.
The possible sanctions were discussed at a meeting of EU member states' ambassadors on Wednesday, where member states negotiated on how best to support Kyiv in the long term. However, reaching a consensus on the 13th sanction package by next month will not be easy, as the previous package required weeks of negotiations.
Discussions are also ongoing regarding plans to create a new fund for military support to Ukraine. Some EU countries wish to use this as an opportunity to modernize the current financing mechanism, known as the European Peace Facility.
The EU's External Action Service has proposed an annual budget of around 5 billion euros for the fund but has struggled to reach a consensus among member states. Sources indicate that officials will soon present a new document with proposals to the member states.
Leading up to these developments, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on Western countries to suppress Russia's ability to produce weapons as Moscow continues to acquire foreign components for this purpose. On December 18th, the Council of the European Union completed the process of adopting the twelfth package of sanctions against Russia. Additionally, the countries of the "Group of Seven" announced at the end of a virtual summit on December 6th their intentions to impose restrictions on Russian-produced diamonds by January 1st, 2024.
This ongoing effort by the European Union to formulate and implement sanctions against Russia is a part of a broader international response to the conflict in Ukraine. The sanctions are intended not only as punitive measures but also as a means to pressure Russia to cease its military activities in Ukraine and adhere to international norms and agreements. The complexity of the sanctions and the negotiations involved reflect the diverse interests and perspectives within the EU, as well as the challenges of achieving a common policy stance among its member states.
The European Union's approach, coupled with the initiatives of other international actors like the G7, indicates a concerted effort to address the Ukraine crisis through economic and diplomatic means. These efforts underscore the global implications of the conflict and the widespread desire for a peaceful resolution. However, the path to achieving such a resolution remains fraught with challenges, as evidenced by the ongoing negotiations and the need for continued international engagement and cooperation.
