Ahead of next month's Group of Seven (G7) summit, the European Union (EU) and Japan have opposed the United States' stance on imposing a complete ban on exports to Russia.
According to major foreign media on the 24th (local time), the draft statement for the upcoming G7 summit currently being prepared reportedly includes the U.S. proposal to replace sector-specific sanctions on Russia with a full export ban. Agricultural and medical goods are exceptions.
However, participants from the EU and Japan at a preliminary meeting held last week expressed reservations, saying such measures are practically impossible. A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council (NSC) reportedly stated, "We will continue to seek ways to hold Russia accountable."
The foreign media pointed out that while G7 leaders want to strengthen economic sanctions against Russia, which has been at war with Ukraine for 14 months, the reality shows there are not many viable options available.
Previously, after Russia invaded Ukraine, the EU implemented strong measures including restricting exports of hundreds of products to Russia, such as key semiconductors and advanced technology products, and sanctioning about 1,500 individuals.
In response, Russia has been circumventing these restrictions by importing EU-made advanced products through Turkey, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and some countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to make up for shortages.
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