EU admits 'certain fatigue' over Russia sanctions but says pressure must continue
Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity (photo: Getty Images)
There is a "certain fatigue" in the European Union over tightening sanctions against Russia. However, it must be overcome to prevent Russia from winning its war against Ukraine, European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis said, Euractiv reported.
Dombrovskis believes it is crucial for all EU members to remain united and not weaken pressure on Moscow, as this is exactly what the Kremlin is seeking.
"It's understandable there is a certain fatigue (after - ed.) almost five years of war. But we have committed since the very beginning that we'll continue to support Ukraine for as long as it's needed, to continue to put pressure on Russia for as long as it's needed, and it's important to stay the course," the European commissioner stressed.
Dombrovskis' call came after France succeeded in removing Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the EU sanctions list.
Importantly, Latvia blocked the decision to remove the two businessmen from the sanctions list. However, under pressure from Paris, the country lifted its veto.
EU sanctions decisions require the support of all 27 member states.
Against the backdrop of the latest developments, journalists asked Dombrovskis whether the EU sanctions regime could be changed so that unanimity would no longer be required.
The idea had previously been discussed by Germany and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, among others.
The European commissioner said such a change was possible, but it could not be made quickly. It would require changes to the EU treaties, which in turn would need the unanimous approval of all 27 countries.
Dombrovskis said that instead, European countries need to demonstrate the political will to continue supporting Ukraine and increase economic pressure on Russia.
"In a situation like this… the only way is to put more pressure on Russia. It's clear that Putin and Russia will not stop themselves. They need to be stopped," the European commissioner concluded.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to the EU's decision to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman.
The Ukrainian Presidential Office will also propose new tools to the EU for putting pressure on Russian oligarchs.
