France Announces 16th Round of EU Sanctions Against Russia Amidst US-Russia Talks
As the United States and Russia engage in initial discussions regarding the war in Ukraine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has announced the implementation of a 16th round of European Union sanctions against Russia.
Focus on Energy Resources and Sanctions Circumvention
"Starting next Monday, we will adopt a new set of sanctions," Barrot stated on franceinfo on Tuesday, February 18th. These sanctions will primarily target energy resources that Russia utilizes to fund its war efforts, particularly the means by which Russia bypasses the existing sanctions.
Additionally, the new measures will extend to "actors in countries that contribute to this circumvention," such as ship owners and businesses. Barrot cited the European Union’s decision to cap oil prices as an example, noting that "Russia has found ships through which it can circumvent the sanctions and sell oil at a price higher than the cap."
Forcing Russia to Negotiate
The objective of these sanctions, according to Barrot, is to "compel Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table." He emphasized that "we will only achieve peace through pressure, and that is why we will continue to increase the cost of war for Vladimir Putin."
Russia Expects Economic Progress in Parallel Talks
Meanwhile, in Riyadh, one of the Russian negotiators in the ongoing talks, Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, expressed optimism for "rapid progress" in the economic aspects of the discussions.
"We have submitted several proposals that our colleagues are considering. I believe it will be feasible to achieve progress not in the distant future, but within the next two to three months," he stated.
Ongoing Sanctions Challenges
The article acknowledges that Russia has been adept at circumventing the existing sanctions. It references a previous report highlighting the "cat and mouse game" between Russia and the West, with Russia finding ways to adapt and maintain its economic activities.
Continued International Pressure
Despite Russia’s efforts to evade sanctions, the European Union remains committed to maintaining pressure on the country. The 16th round of sanctions is a testament to this resolve.
Importance of Diplomacy
While sanctions play a crucial role in deterring Russia, the article also highlights the importance of diplomacy. The talks in Riyadh between the United States and Russia, though focused primarily on economic matters, represent a potential avenue for dialogue and de-escalation.
Conclusion
The announcement of a 16th round of EU sanctions against Russia underscores the ongoing efforts to pressure the country to end its aggression in Ukraine. While sanctions alone cannot guarantee a diplomatic solution, they serve as an essential tool in shaping Russia’s decision-making process. The parallel talks in Riyadh represent a glimmer of hope for a negotiated settlement, but the path forward remains challenging.
