An article published by The Guardian sheds light on the European Union’s intention to impose a new package of sanctions on Russia due to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, which began in late February last year.
The objective is to cripple the Russian economy and prevent Russia from financing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The article, co-authored by Lisa O’Carroll and Andrew Roth, reveals that the proposed new sanctions may include the son of former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and a relative of President Vladimir Putin.
It explains that the new package of sanctions aims to tighten the grip on important Russian income resources, especially revenues from the sale of Russian diamonds.
The article highlights that the proposed sanctions from the European Commission represent the twelfth package of sanctions imposed by European countries on Russia since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine last year.
It notes that including relatives of top Russian officials in the new package of sanctions, including Putin’s relatives, is likely to anger the Kremlin.
The article further states that the imposition of the new package of sanctions requires approval from EU leaders during their upcoming meeting in December. According to EU estimates, these sanctions are expected to reduce Russian income by nearly $3.8 billion.
The article emphasizes that the European ban on Russian diamond sales is part of the efforts by the Group of Seven industrialized nations to deprive Russia of one of its most important sources of income.
Representatives from G7 countries are currently visiting Belgium, one of the world’s major diamond trading centers, to coordinate efforts in this regard.
In conclusion, the European Commission is also considering imposing new sanctions on Russia to prevent the sale of used tanks to ensure compliance with the military sanctions imposed on Russia.