The European Union is preparing to implement a powerful sanctions package against the Russian Federation, which, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, could be the strongest since 2022. This move aims to increase pressure on Russia in response to its aggressive actions against Ukraine.
This is reported by Finway
Reasons for Strengthening Sanctions
Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that the Russian Federation is deliberately carrying out massive missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, demonstrating what he described as “boundless cruelty”. According to the French diplomat, the new sanctions package should serve as a means to compel the Kremlin to agree to a ceasefire and discuss the terms of a fair and lasting peace that guarantees Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“The Russian economy is increasingly suffering from the colonial campaign that Putin has been conducting for three years. Its resources will be further depleted due to the sanctions package, which will significantly increase pressure on Putin to agree to a ceasefire and start negotiations that will lead to a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Opposition from Certain EU Countries
At the same time, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced that Budapest, along with Slovakia, has blocked the consideration of the 18th sanctions package. The reason for this move was the European Commission’s initiative to stop purchasing energy resources from Russia. Since only a qualified majority is needed to implement this plan, Hungary lost the opportunity to block it and therefore decided to veto the sanctions themselves.