EU Announces Additional Sanctions Over Russian Civilian Massacre

Even Germany, hesitant to join energy sanctions, says "Sanctions must be strengthened"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The European Union (EU) announced on the 3rd (local time) that it would impose additional sanctions against Russia following reports that Russian troops massacred civilians in Bucha, a city on the northwestern outskirts of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said on Twitter that day, "I am shocked by the brutal acts of the Russian military," and added, "We are preparing EU sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine."

He also stated that the EU would assist Ukraine and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in submitting evidence of Russia's war crimes to the International Criminal Court (ICC). He tagged the post with the hashtag 'BuchaMassacre.'

The additional sanctions may include measures that Ukraine has long demanded but were previously blocked by some member states. A British economic media outlet reported, "Proposals include banning Russian ships from using EU ports and additional bans on energy exports." The EU plans to discuss additional sanctions on the 6th.

In Europe, there is a growing call to specifically target Russia's energy exports. In Italy, which has the highest dependence on Russian gas in Europe, political circles are urging a complete ban on Russian oil and gas. Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania's Foreign Minister, who announced the suspension of Russian natural gas imports for the first time the previous day, pointed out, "Buying Russian oil and gas is funding war criminals."

Germany, which had been reluctant to join energy sanctions, also showed a change in stance. Robert Habeck, Germany's Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, said in an interview with the daily Bild, "We cannot just overlook these horrific war crimes," adding, "There is a need to strengthen sanctions."

Leaders of major European countries strongly condemned the massacre of civilians by Russian troops. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed sympathy on Twitter for "the hundreds of civilians cowardly assassinated," saying, "It is intolerable." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the massacre as "horrific and chilling."