EU to impose sanctions on Russia for Navalny – media

The Council of the European Union at a meeting on February 22 is ready to start the introduction of new sanctions against Russia due to the arrest of Alexei Navalny. Bloomberg writes about this on Thursday, February 18, citing sources in diplomatic circles.

It is noted that, most likely, the sanctions will not be directed against the Russian oligarchs. The restrictions will affect Russian officials and organizations that are directly involved in the situation with Navalny.

According to the agency, representatives of the EU countries on February 22 will be able to reach agreements on the subsequent introduction of sanctions. It is observed that the imposition of sanctions can be approved in March and “the agreement in principle of the foreign ministers on these measures will be the first step.”

According to the agency, the imposition of sanctions against the Russian Federation “enjoys wide support” among EU states. At the same time, some of the EU member states “fear burning all the bridges” in their relations with the Russian Federation.

In early February, the European Parliament proposed expanding sanctions against Russia.