the European Union sees no problems in maintaining sanctions against Russia in a pandemic
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the European Union sees no problems in maintaining the sanctions the EU against Russia in the conditions of a pandemic, because they “do not undermine the ability of Russia to fight with the coronavirus”. With this position on the video briefing in Brussels on Monday was the official European Commission representative Peter Stano, answering the question about the letter of group of deputies of the European Parliament who asked the European Commission “to prevent the lifting of sanctions against Russia under the pretext of fighting a pandemic coronavirus”.
“Yes, I can confirm that this letter was received, and the answer will be given through the usual channels. I also want to quote a statement by the EU high representative for foreign Affairs and security policy, Josep Borrell, that the sanctions regimes, the EU should not undermine the delivery of funds and equipment to combat the coronavirus,” said Peter Stano. His words leads TASS.
Stano noted that sanctions were imposed in connection with the events in Ukraine in 2014 and the annexation of Crimea to Russia. “This means that these sanctions do not undermine Russia’s ability to combat coronavirus”, he concluded.
Earlier, Russia has made diplomatic efforts for the lifting of sanctions under the pretext of the global fight against coronavirus. However, it had prepared and a number of other States, the resolution was rejected by the UN General Assembly. Against the adoption of the document by Ukraine, Georgia, UK, USA and EU.
Meanwhile, the United States does not plan just to keep sanctions against Russia, but to reinforce them, despite the pandemic coronavirus. In March 2020, the White house has imposed restrictions against the two companies from Russia – Technomar and Avilon, because they could buy goods for the firm Technopole, blacklisted in 2016. In addition, the U.S. Congress discussed the project of a more serious restrictions. He was named DASKAA (Defending American Security From Kremlin Aggression Act ) and has the support of the influential Senator-Republican Lindsey Graham criticizing the President for trump’s conciliatory attitude towards Russia.
DASKAA involves the introduction of restrictions for American business to participate in joint equity projects with Russian companies in the energy sector. If such agreements have already been concluded, from firms from the US may be required to sell its stake and withdraw from the deal. Thus Russia may be deprived of the opportunity to use modern technologies of oil and gas production.
Finally, the project DASKAA of sanctions provides for a ban on transaction with the new sovereign debt of the Russian Federation, as well as expanding the list of personal limitations.
