European Union (EU) foreign ministers aim to reach an agreement on new sanctions against Russia during a meeting in Brussels on Monday, following the death of opposition figure Alexei Navalny in February and the reelection of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated before the meeting, “Russia held elections without choice.” She added, “We will propose sanctions today in light of Alexei Navalny’s death.”
The Russian Central Election Commission announced on Sunday the overwhelming victory of President Vladimir Putin, amid allegations of manipulation surrounding the elections.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said, “We will adopt a package of sanctions in response to Alexei Navalny’s killing.”
However, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressed skepticism about reaching an agreement on sanctions today. The sanctions package must receive unanimous support from EU member states for adoption.
Latvian Foreign Minister and former Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins stated that any sanctions imposed on Russia should also apply to Belarus, which assists Moscow in its war against Ukraine.
He added, “As we know, Russia fully controls Belarus. Sanctions applied to Russia should apply to Belarus as well.”
The discussion over sanctions reflects growing concerns within the EU regarding human rights abuses and political repression in Russia, as well as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The outcome of the meeting will likely shape the EU’s response to recent developments in the region.
