NICOSIA – European Union leaders on Friday said they are ready to finalise the bloc’s 21st package of punitive measures against Russia following the electoral defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas announced on the sidelines of an EU summit in Nicosia.
Kallas said “Russia could face tougher EU sanctions following the electoral defeat of Orbán, who has repeatedly blocked sanctions in recent years.’’
“It sends a very clear signal to Russia that they can’t outwait us,” she said.
Measures that were off the table due to Hungary’s opposition are to be examined. “We should also revisit the previous red lines,” Kallas said.
These could include sanctions against further Russian oligarchs and representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church who support the war in Ukraine.
The EU adopted its 20th package of EU sanctions on Thursday, after Kremlin-friendly Orbán had lifted his months-long veto days after he lost parliamentary elections at home, heralding the end of his 16-year rule.
The set of measures are aimed at further reducing Russia’s revenue from the sale of gas and oil.
In addition, further financial institutions will be cut off from international payment systems and additional trade restrictions will be imposed. (dpa/NAN)
