1:00 22 February 2021
European Union introduces further sanctions against Russia
The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, announced on Monday that EU foreign ministers agreed to introduce further sanctions against Russia for the imprisonment of the anti-Kremlin oppositionist Alexei Navalny. The four-person sanctions list includes, among others Russia's prosecutor general Igor Krasnov and head of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin.
"In response to the events of Mr. Navalny's situation, we reached a political agreement to impose restrictions against those responsible for his arrest, conviction, and persecution," Josep Borrell said.
He also informed that EU ministers had also agreed to increase support for activists involved in Russia in the defense of civil and political liberties.
"The members of the Council share the assessment that Russia is moving towards an authoritarian state and is moving away from Europe. The ministers unanimously interpreted Russia's recent actions and reactions as a clear signal of lack of interest in cooperation with the European Union. On the contrary, Russia is interested in confronting and distancing itself, The modus vivendi must be found with a neighbor who has chosen to act as an adversary," Borrell stressed.
(PAP)
