The European Union Commission has proposed new sanctions, including a ban on oil imports from Russia. The decision was announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. “Now we propose a ban on Russian oil. This will be a complete import ban for all sea and pipeline transported crude and refined Russian petroleum products,” von der Leyen said, adding that they also removed Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, and two other large banks from SWIFT.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union Commission, spoke at the session on “The economic and social consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war for the EU” at the European Parliament General Assembly held in Strasbourg. Explaining the content of the new sanctions package planned to be implemented against Russia, von der Leyen said, “Today we present the sixth package of sanctions.” used the phrase.
Von der Leyen stated that within the scope of the package, they will add high-ranking officers and other people who committed war crimes in Bucha and responsible for the siege of Mariupol city to the sanctions list.
Biggest Russian Bank Removed From Swift System
“We are removing Sberbank, the largest bank in Russia, and two other large banks from SWIFT.” Von der Leyen said, thus targeting the banks that have critical importance in Russia's financial system.
Von der Leyen stated that with the removal of these banks from SWIFT, the complete isolation of the Russian financial sector from the global system will be ensured.
Pointing out that they will impose a broadcast ban on 3 channels belonging to the Russian state, von der Leyen emphasized that these institutions will not be allowed to operate in any way in EU countries through cable, satellite, internet or smartphone applications.
Von der Leyen reminded that they will also stop Kremin's access to accountants and various consultants from Europe and underlined that they will ban the provision of such services to Russian companies.
Von der Leyen said that the EU leaders agreed to end the dependence on Russian energy at the Versailles meeting and reminded that they included coal in the 5th sanctions package.
Von der Leyen said: “We are addressing our dependence on Russian oil. To be clear, this will not be easy. Some member states are dependent on Russian oil. We now propose a ban on Russian oil. This will be a complete ban on imports of all sea- and pipeline-transported crude and refined Russian petroleum products.” he said.
Explaining that Russian oil will be terminated regularly and gradually by securing alternative supply routes and minimizing its impact on global markets, von der Leyen said, “We will phase out Russia's crude oil supply within 6 months and refined product supply by the end of the year.” said.
Von der Leyen explained that these steps will harm the Russian economy. The EU has already put into effect 5 sanctions packages. The Commission proposal must be ratified by the member states in order to enter into force.
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