The French Secretary of State for European Affairs spoke about the details of the new package of sanctions developed by the European Union against Russia. Speaking to BefEm and Radio Monte Carlo (BFMTV-RMC), he said the Russian economy was experiencing a severe financial blow.
Last night, the European Union decided to impose new sanctions against Moscow in connection with the deepening conflict in Ukraine and the siege of Kiev. The ambassadors of the 27 countries will meet today at noon to finally approve the fourth package of sanctions.
Clement Bonn said the partners were discussing new sanctions, including a ban on the export of luxury goods that would affect the oligarchs. Russia’s trade preferences will be abolished, which will deprive it of some benefits, such as exemption from customs duties on certain goods. This advantage will be taken away from Russia, explained the French Secretary of State for European Affairs.
These sanctions are large, but they are far from those requested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called for an international embargo.
Stopping all imports of Russian goods is not yet part of the EU’s plans. However, Clement Bonn called the new sanctions ambitious.
According to him, a ban on steel and aluminum imports will be discussed today, so “the entire raw materials economy will be hit hard by the portfolio.” “Nothing,” he assured.
Sanctions are expected to be imposed in the coming days. According to Clement Bonn, there will probably be a new wave of sanctions.
“The link is simple: if the Russians thought we weren’t going to impose sanctions, they were cheating themselves. If Mr Putin thought we were going to stop at the first wave of sanctions, now we’re at the fifth,” he said.