Sanctions against Russia, which started to invade Ukraine, continue to come one after another. Immediately after Putin declared war, economic moves came from Germany and England. While Biden announced sanctions on many issues yesterday, European Union member countries also determined new sanctions against Russia.
Leaders of EU member states held an extraordinary summit in Brussels due to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
At the end of the EU Leaders’ Summit, the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the EU Term President of France Emmanuel Macron held a joint press conference.
Von der Leyen, pointing out that EU countries will act jointly against Russia, “We will hold the Kremlin accountable.” said.
“WE CONFIRMED”
Von der Leyen stated that the leaders approved the heavy and targeted sanctions package that will affect the Russian economy and political elite, adding that the new sanctions cover the finance, energy and transportation sectors, as well as export control and export financing ban, and visa policy.
“This package includes financial sanctions that prevent Russia from accessing its most important capital markets,” von der Leyen said. he said.
Noting that the sanctions target 70 percent of the Russian banking market, von der Leyen also explained that important state-owned companies, including the defense field, are also within the scope of the sanctions package.
“These sanctions will increase Russia’s borrowing costs, drive inflation and wear down the foundation of Russia’s industry,” von der Leyen said. used the phrase.
Emphasizing that the Russian elites cannot keep their money in safe harbors in Europe, von der Leyen said that they will also control their deposits.
Von der Leyen reminded that the energy sector is an important economic field that provides income to the Russian state and pointed out that they will impose new sanctions on the energy field.
Recalling that Russia exports 24 billion euros in oil annually, von der Leyen said, “Our export ban will hit oil, making it impossible for Russia to renew its oil refineries.” he said.
Von der Leyen stated that it will be prohibited to send equipment necessary for refining oil from Europe to Russia.
Expressing that they will also implement investments in Russia’s transportation sector, von der Leyen reminded that three-quarters of Russia’s current commercial aircraft fleet is built in the EU, USA and Canada.
“We prohibit the sale of all aircraft spare parts and equipment to Russian airlines,” von der Leyen said. said.
Von der Leyen said that they have also limited access to important technologies such as chips that Russia needs, and that the visa application for Russian diplomats and business people will also change, and that these people will not have privileged access to EU countries.
Von der Leyen added that the measures are closely coordinated with partners and allies such as the US, UK, Canada, Norway, South Korea, Japan and Australia.
LEADERS ALSO TALKED ABOUT EUROPE’S AUTHENTICITY
European Council President Charles Michel said that one of the topics discussed at the summit meeting tonight is the autonomy and strategic independence of Europe.
Stating that they discussed how to reduce dependence on Russia in energy, Michel stated that the proposals of the EU Commission were discussed on this issue and that they should increase the diversity in energy supply.
Michel emphasized that Europe should also strengthen its security and defense capabilities, that NATO is the cornerstone of European security in any case, and that EU countries will strengthen Eastern Europe together with NATO.
Stating that the aid to Ukraine was also discussed at the meeting, Michel said that they will activate humanitarian aid and that the Ukrainian refugees who have passed to EU countries will be accommodated in good conditions.
French President Emmanuel Macron also stated that measures will be taken at the government level, apart from the measures taken by the EU, and said that he gave instructions in this direction for some individuals and entities.
Macron shared that France has committed an extra 300 million euros in financial aid to Ukraine.
“PUTIN CHOOSE WAR”
Expressing that they talked with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the details of the implementation of the Minsk Agreements until a few hours before Russia’s decision to recognize the so-called separatist governments, Macron said, “Therefore, there was definitely hypocrisy here.” made its assessment.
Upon a question, Macron said that he met with the Russian leader after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asked him to reach Putin and request a ceasefire.
“But as you can see it didn’t make any impact because the Russian President chose war,” Macron said. said.
AUTONOMY IN EUROPE’S DEFENSE
Emphasizing that this crisis shows the importance of the issue of autonomy in the defense of Europe, Macron said, “This issue has been on our agenda in recent months, but we will focus more on this issue in the coming months and years. Unfortunately, Europe has no choice but to become a power and take action.” used the phrase.