The European Union is preparing a sixth package of sanctions directed against Sberbank and the energy sector of the Russian Federation

The head of the European Commission Ursula von der Layen spoke about the discussion of the sixth package of sanctions against Russia. According to her, Brussels considers the introduction of restrictions against Sberbank and against the Russian energy sector, writes Tagesschau.

“We continue to consider the banking sector, especially Sberbank, which accounts for 37% of the Banking Sector of Russia. And, of course, we are talking about energy issues, ”said the head of the EC. According to her, the European Union is developing "smart mechanisms", which in the future will also make restrictions on Russian oil.

Von der Layen also rejected the assumption that the German government inhibits the introduction of sanctions against Russia. “Germany approved all five sanctions we proposed for 48 hours. EU never previously acted as united, decisively and energetic as it is now. Germany played a role in this, ”said von der Lyain, who previously held the post of Minister of Defense of Germany.

The head of the European Commission called on the EU countries to quickly supply weapons to Ukraine, including the difficult. According to her, it is necessary to achieve an early termination of the armed conflict. However, “at the same time, we must be prepared for the fact that the war will last for months or years,” added von der Layen.

She suggested that punitive measures introduced against Moscow already have an effect: “Sanctions with every week penetrate the Russian economy deeper.” Export to Russia fell by 70%, the gross domestic product of the Russian Federation will decrease by 11%, she said. Defolt in Russia is just a matter of time, the head of the EC is sure. “This war (President of the Russian Federation Vladimir) Putin destroys his own country and the future of its people,” said von der Layen. Her words are given by DW.

In early April, the Supreme Representative of the EU on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrel, together with the chairman of the European Commission Ursula von der Lyain and the Prime Minister of Slovakia Eduard Heger, visited the vicinity of Kyiv, where after the Russian troops the murdered civilians were discovered.

The European Union has already introduced five packages of sanctions against the Russian Federation in connection with the invasion of Ukraine. Under the blocking sanctions were VTB, “Opening”, Novikombank and Svokombank. These banks are disabled from SWIFT. Sanctions are also directed against key sectors of the Russian economy, such as energy, finances, media, defense and military industry. The fifth package provides for an export from the European Union of high -tech products and the import of a number of goods from Russia, including coal and other types of solid fuel, wood, cement, fertilizers, seafood and alcohol. In addition, it is forbidden to export to Russia goods that strengthen its industrial potential: “Fuel for jet engines, quantum computers and advanced semiconductors, high -tech electronics, software, sensitive equipment and equipment for transport”, some chemicals.

Russian courts are prohibited from entering the ports of the European Union, motor transport operators from the Russian Federation - to move around the EU, with the exception of transportation of medical and food products.