Head of Ukrainian PACE Delegation: Sanctions Alone Insufficient, Pressure on Russia Must Increase
Pressure on Russia is a complex process. Sanctions alone are not enough against the aggressor country, insists Maria Mezentseva-Fedorenko, Member of Ukrainian Parliament and Head of the Permanent Delegation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the PACE.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to FREEDOM TV channel.
Mezentseva-Fedorenko recalled that the European Union is preparing another, already the 18th, package of sanctions against Russia.
"More or less, it is already clear what will be in the 18th package of sanctions. This is a continuation of work in the energy sector of the Russian Federation, this is the prices for petroleum products. Of course, this cannot be regulated by sanctions alone, but the market's reaction after the restrictions are imposed will be a response to Russia's aggression and behavior. As for oil, experts are already talking about a possible drop in the price per barrel to less than $40. This figure may be even lower — approximately $30 per barrel," the MP noted.
However, she believes that a single package of sanctions from the EU is not enough. Ukraine also expects more decisive steps from the US.
"We cannot be satisfied with a single package of sanctions because this is a complex issue. As we understand it, this concerns not only the 27 countries of the European Union. Sanctions can also be adopted by countries that are not members of the European Union, such as Switzerland, which until recently was historically neutral, or our other partners. For example, the United States says that we are far away, but we must continue to support you. And it is precisely from our American partners that we expect more decisive steps," said the guest on the air.
Mezentseva-Fedorenko also believes that the international community must respond appropriately to Russia's daily terror against the peaceful citizens of Ukraine.
“It is important to respond to the war crimes that are taking place every day. This is, of course, genocide. And various leaders are talking about it. For example, the US State Department has said that the terror must be stopped immediately. But this word ‘immediately’ must be followed by concrete action,” the MP said.
She also commented on the statements made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who visited Kyiv the day before.
"Yes, he said openly that we probably won't see the Taurus. That is, this promise is on hold. However, by the end of this year, we can count on €9 billion in support. And that's just from Germany. The total support package announced by the European Commissioner for Defense and Space is expected to reach €800 billion. Of course, it is not there yet, but half of it is. And the work continues," Mezentseva-Fedorenko noted.
She also reminded that important summits will take place in the coming weeks — NATO, the European Union, and the G7 countries. Ukraine is actively preparing for them.
"For the first time, the NATO summit will be held in The Hague, the hometown of the current Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance [Mark Rutte]. And it is important that Ukraine has been invited and will be represented at the event at the highest level. The president has confirmed his participation. I am confident that new sanctions packages will also be discussed at these three upcoming venues, as well as, of course, security issues. Ukraine is preparing to participate in these events over the next three weeks," the spokesperson concluded.
Read more: Are Ukraine's Allies Ready to Take Sanctions Against Russia to the Next Level in 2025?