On December 12th, the European Union’s ambassadors agreed on a 15th round of sanctions against Russia, as reported by the Hungarian presidency of the EU on their social media. The decision was made in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against its neighboring countries and violation of international laws.
The new sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities involved in the illegal annexation of Crimea and the destabilization of eastern Ukraine. They also target individuals and entities involved in the construction of the Kerch Strait Bridge, which links Russia to the Crimean Peninsula. This bridge has been widely condemned by the international community as it violates Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The EU has been imposing sanctions on Russia since 2014, following its annexation of Crimea and involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. These measures have been extended and expanded over the years due to Russia’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements, which aim to bring peace to the region.
The decision to impose new sanctions was not taken lightly and was based on a thorough assessment of the situation. The European Union remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine, but it also sends a strong message to Russia that its aggressive actions will not be tolerated.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated, “The EU continues to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and reiterates its full support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These new sanctions demonstrate our determination to respond to Russia’s actions and support the international rules-based order.”
The European Union is not alone in its condemnation of Russia’s actions. The United States, Canada, and other allies have also imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its aggression. The EU’s decision to impose new sanctions is a joint effort to hold Russia accountable for its actions and to support the affected countries.
Furthermore, the EU’s decision sends a strong message to the Russian government that its actions have consequences. It is not only about imposing sanctions; it is also about showing that the international community stands united against aggression and will not tolerate violations of international law.
It is important to note that the EU’s sanctions target specific individuals and entities rather than the Russian people. The EU remains committed to promoting people-to-people contacts and supporting civil society in Russia. The sanctions aim to put pressure on those responsible for the ongoing aggression and to encourage them to change their behavior.
In conclusion, the European Union’s decision to impose a new round of sanctions against Russia is a strong and necessary response to its ongoing aggression. This action demonstrates the EU’s commitment to upholding international law and supporting the affected countries. It also sends a message to Russia that its actions will not go unpunished. The EU remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine but will not hesitate to take further measures if necessary.
