Western sanctions imposed on Russia by the West are stinging enough and sufficiently targeted - MEP Zile

  • 2022-02-23
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - The first package of sanctions imposed by the United States, Great Britain and the European Union (EU) against Russia is stinging enough and sufficiently targeted, European Parliament Member Roberts Zile (National Alliance) emphasized to LETA.

He emphasized that this was the first package of sanctions that have been introduced on Russia, thus they were not too severe either. It is more a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop, to end the military and legal measures he is taking in Ukraine.

Regarding the targeted sanctions, the MEP pointed out that they were directed against Russian legislators who voted for the recognition of the self-proclaimed "peoples' republics of Donetsk and Lugansk'', as well as for putting troops into third countries. Several oligarchs as well as banks are also subject to the sanctions.

"For example, Russia's government debt will not be allowed to be purchased on the secondary market. Russia's government bonds were previously not allowed to be bought on the primary market, but now they will not be available on the secondary market either," Zile added.

As for gas, the MEP said it was a question of when Russia would decide to respond to sanctions. Zile noted that gas dependence on Russia is pronounced in many European countries, mainly in Germany and Italy.

"Germany has put a lot of Russian interest in its energy policy portfolio, it is clear that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is vital for Germany, and Russia understands that. It is clear that Europe needs to think about a transition if, for example, Russia decides not to sell gas at all or in limited quantities. It cannot be done in one day, but we have to move towards it," said the politician.