'It is truly painful for Russia': Ukraine's FM on EU's 17th sanctions package
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The European Union has adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia. Ukraine's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, describes it as "painful" for the Kremlin in an interview with Liberation.
Sybiha stated that the 17th package of European Union sanctions, adopted on May 20, was an important and timely step in increasing pressure on Russia.
According to Sybiha, the sanctions decision was made "immediately, unanimously, and with regard to how painful it would be for Russia." He emphasized that Ukraine does not consider the EU's decision-making pace to be slow.
"The 17th package of sanctions was adopted immediately to put pressure on Russia, timely and unanimously. It is truly painful," the minister noted.
The Ukrainian side is also pushing for a stricter price cap on Russian oil — at the level of $30 per barrel.
"We believe it is justified. This would help deprive Russia of the means to finance its war machine," Sybiha stressed.
In addition, Kyiv is calling for sanctions against Russia's banking sector, which, according to the foreign minister, would be "a serious blow to the Russian economy."
"For this, a G7 decision is needed. Sanctions against the banking sector are also necessary," he said.
EU sanctions against Russia
On May 20, the EU adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting nearly 200 vessels of the so-called shadow fleet.
In addition, on the same day, the United Kingdom imposed new wide-ranging sanctions against Russia aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow’s military, energy, and financial sectors.
