Information
Germany is pushing for more sanctions against Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. The move comes after the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died on Friday after falling unconscious at a penal colony in Kharp. Germany’s top diplomat, Annalena Baerbock, said that her country would propose new sanctions against Moscow, expressing hope that they would be approved soon by the 27-nation bloc. Baerbock also highlighted the repressive nature of Putin’s regime, stating that they will propose new sanctions in light of the death of Alexei Navalny. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also supported imposing more sanctions, adding that member states will propose sanctions against those responsible. However, Hungary has yet to back the new sanctions. Furthermore, Germany’s Foreign Ministry announced that the Russian ambassador in Berlin had been summoned over Navalny’s death. The ministry spokesperson expressed shock at the arrest of people in Russia for laying flowers in honour of Alexei Navalny’s death and demanded the release of all those imprisoned in Russia for political reasons.
Source: AFP, dpa, Reuters
Assessment
There are still several aspects of the Russian economy that additional sanctions could affect, in particular, its gas industry, which has been continuing to service the EU due to a lack of alternatives. Another aspect would be looking into how arms manufacturing companies in Russia and Iran are acquiring parts for weapons such as drones. However, there will be some significant challenges in getting any more sanctions over the line. Hungary, for one, has made it clear that it won’t allow any more sanctions against Russia, claiming that it is hurting its economy too much.
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