EU, latest anti-Russian move: restrictions on violators of sanctions

Rumors are multiplying about possible restrictions on countries suspected of helping Russia evade EU sanctions. However, a European diplomat reveals that at the moment the idea is to be considered as a last possible solution, with various countries opposing it. Third countries suspected of violating the anti-Russian sanctions regime will be subjected to export restrictions.

The Reuters agency revealed the last resort in economic warfare tactics against the Russian Federation on the European side, citing a European diplomat familiar with the matter. It had previously been reported that the European Commission had handed over to the EU proposals for what, if approved, will be the eleventh sanctions package. According to Politico on the subject, the new package includes two lists, one that will include those countries suspected of helping the Russian Federation to evade sanctions, the other will see the addition of a certain number of additional goods whose export will be banned. The diplomat quoted by Reuters reports that at the moment it is only a draft, to be used as a last resort, underlining the fact that the two lists are currently empty. "We will only resort to this threat as a last resort", reports the diplomat.

However, several countries are already opposing the idea: Germany, which opposes sanctions on China, and several countries that fear similar measures against Turkey, an "important" trading partner for themselves.