Sanctions: How the world is punishing Russia for invading Ukraine

On February 21, Putin recognized terrorists in ORDLO (certain regions of Donetsk and Lugansk regions occupied by Russia) as "republics". Three days later, around 5 am, Putin declared war on Ukraine, Russia attacked the military infrastructure and border guards of Ukraine, explosions were heard in many cities.

Sanctions: How the world is punishing Russia for invading Ukraine


How the world reacted to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine - we keeps a chronicle with the main statements, sanctions and promises of world leaders.


26.02.2022

00:33

  • China has joined the sanctions against the Russian Federation. So far, two Chinese banks have limited agreements with Russia
  • The two largest state-owned banks in China have limited transactions for the purchase of Russian raw materials - Bank of China and ICBC, writes Bloomberg .


  • For each such decision, the approval of senior management is required, the publication indicates.


  • Subdivisions of the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), following Western banks, stopped issuing letters of credit to cover agreements with Russian commodity exporters. The bank has completely stopped serving deliveries in dollars, but in some cases issues letters of credit for transactions in yuan.


  • Bank of China also limited financing of purchases of Russian raw materials by the decision of its own risk management. According to Bloomberg sources, the bank is awaiting detailed recommendations from the national regulator.


  • Prior to this, the largest Chinese banks refrained from sanctions against Iran, North Korea and even Hong Kong officials, fearing to fall into the secondary measures of the US Treasury, Bloomberg points out.


02/25/2022

23:38

  • Poland, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria closed the skies to Russian aircraft. Aggressor airlines cancel dozens of flights to the EU


  • The Polish government has decided to close the country's airspace for Russian airlines. They called on other European countries to do the same.


  • "I have ordered the preparation of a Council of Ministers resolution that will lead to the closure of airspace for Russian airlines," Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tweeted.


  • After that, the largest Polish airline LOT today announced the suspension of flights to Russia from 15:00. They operated flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg.


  • The Czech Republic made a similar decision. The country will close its airspace to Russian airlines - its own airspace. This was announced by the Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic Martin Kupka. On the evening of February 25, Bulgaria announced the same decision.


  • Russian airlines have already begun massively canceling scheduled flights to Europe. In particular, S7 Airlines will cancel all its flights to Europe from February 26 to March 13. The decision was made "in connection with the closure of airspace by European states," the occupant's airline said in a statement.


23:08

  • US imposes sanctions against Putin, Lavrov and members of the Russian Security Council


  • This was announced by White House Secretary Jen Psaki during a briefing.


  • The Russian leader will be the highest-ranking official in the US attempt to punish the Russian economy and Putin's inner circle following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.


  • "As a result of the telephone conversation that President Biden had with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and in line with the decision of the European allies, the United States will join them in imposing sanctions against President Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and members of the Russian Security Council," Psaki said. , adding that the details of these sanctions will be announced at a later date.


22:27

  • Xi Jinping 'cautiously' condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine for the first time


  • The head of China for the first time cautiously condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine.

  • "China consistently supports the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, as well as the UN Charter. We are ready to work with the world community to form a well-established, effective and balanced security concept through negotiations," Xi Jinping said during a meeting with the Russian President on February 25.


  • According to Russian and Chinese media, Putin replied that he agreed with the negotiations. Official Kremlin resources have not yet confirmed this information.





19:00

The EU and Britain  adopted  another package of sanctions for Russia: against Putin and Lavrov


The European Union has adopted sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for Russia's attack on Ukraine.


Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics wrote about this on Twitter.


"The EU Foreign Affairs Council has adopted a second package of sanctions that will freeze the assets of the Russian president and his foreign minister," he wrote.


The list of sanctions also included 26 people who are not members of the government or deputies who are not members of political institutions.


According to him, a third package of sanctions is being prepared now.


18:33

Russia will not be allowed to Eurovision this year


The European Language Union (EBU) has announced that no Russian band will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest this year.


After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the participation of Russian artists in Eurovision "would damage the reputation of the contest," they explained.


"We remain committed to protecting the values ​​of the competition, which promotes international cultural exchange and understanding, unites audiences, celebrates diversity through music and unites Europe on the same stage," the statement said.


17:48

Russia kicked out of the Council of Europe for attacking Ukraine


The Joint Committee of the Council of Europe has suspended Russia's participation in all CoE bodies for the attack on Ukraine.


"By starting a war against Ukraine, Russia answered that it could not be part of our organization," said the head of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Tiny Cox . Prior to the new invasion of Ukraine, Cox was considered one of the most pro-Russian politicians in PACE, in particular, he advocated the lifting of sanctions on the Russian Federation in the Assembly in 2019.


17:08

The National Bank revoked the banking license and liquidates banks under the control of the Russian Federation


We are talking about the International Reserve Bank, which is 100% owned by Sberbank of Russia and Prominvestbank, which is 99.77% owned by the Russian state bank VEB.RF.


“When our army selflessly and bravely defends every piece of our native land from Russian aggression, we at the central bank cannot allow the subsidiaries of the state banks of the invader country to continue to work in Ukraine and operate with Ukrainians’ money,” commented the head of the National Bank Kirill Shevchenko. .


15:33

Georgia will not join the financial and economic sanctions of the EU and the US against Russia


This was stated by Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili. According to him, this will interfere with the country and the population of Georgia.


"Georgia, taking into account our national interests and taking into account the interests of our people, is not going to participate in financial and economic sanctions, because, I repeat, this will further harm our country and our population. Accordingly, as the head of government, I am responsible both for internal , and for foreign policy, taking into account national interests, I will lead only the interests of our country," Garibashvili said.


It should be noted that 30% of Georgia is occupied by Russia, and Russian "liberators" annually move the border 1-2 meters forward. In recent years, the Georgian authorities have been trying to maintain neutrality in matters of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, so that the war does not start again.


The authorities in Georgia are supported by the oligarch Bidina Ivanishvili. He is known for making his fortune in Russia.


13:55

Meanwhile, Ukrainian journalist for Voice of America Ostap Yarysh managed to put together a brief expert explanation of how serious the new US sanctions against Russia are.


Eddie Fishman, Atlantic Council: Sberbank is cut off from transactions in dollars. VTB is completely blocked, its assets are frozen. Debt/equity restrictions for a wide range of Russian firms - in the extractive industry, metallurgy, energy, transport and logistics. Unprecedented multilateral control over the export of critical technologies.


Anders Aslund, Georgetown University: Significant financial sanctions against Sberbank and a complete blockade of VTB Bank, Russia's two largest state-owned banks. [Locking] Sberbank will be painful for the Russian financial system in the short term, but these sanctions are not as harsh as against VTB.


Nate Sibley, Hudson Institute: Stop obsessing over SWIFT. Sufficiently strong sanctions against the Russian financial sector would be much more powerful and would probably have the effect of SWIFT.


Paul Massaro, Advisor to the Helsinki Commission of the US Congress: I agree that strict banking sanctions are now more of a shutdown from SWIFT, but I don't understand why we didn't introduce both? In addition to the financial pain, the symbolic cost of disconnecting from SWIFT is high.


Michael McFaul, Former US Ambassador to Russia: The new package of sanctions is harsh. However, no one should be under the illusion that these sanctions will change Putin's mindset or actions anytime soon.




13:38

UEFA officially postponed the Champions League final from St. Petersburg


The UEFA Executive Committee held an extraordinary meeting in connection with the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Officials have decided to move the Champions League final from St. Petersburg to the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Den (Paris, France). The game will take place as scheduled on Saturday, May 28.


 


Breaking: Paris replaces St Petersburg as Champions League final host


February 25, 2022


12:55

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry explained how exactly international sanctions are already hitting the aggressor


Despite the first reactions of the world yesterday in the morning, which may have seemed weak against the backdrop of the horror of Russia's brutal attack on Ukraine, in the evening and at night the world finally began to act.


"The steps that have been introduced are already inflicting a concrete economic blow on Russia and are beginning to lower an iron curtain in front of it," the interior ministry said.




12:15

Germany announced a complete blockade of Russian banks


"There is already a complete blockade of Russian banks, so business with Russia has practically ceased," German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said ahead of a meeting of European finance ministers in Paris.


However, according to him, some transactions are still possible. "In some cases, transactions are still possible, for example, to pay for gas supplies or so that German companies can make transfers to their own subsidiaries in Russia," Lindner said.


Regarding additional financial sanctions against Russia, which go beyond the limits agreed upon by EU leaders late on Thursday, Lindner responded that "all options" remain on the table.


11:22

Japan to impose additional sanctions against Russia


The new package of sanctions includes a ban on the export of semiconductors to Russia, a freeze on the assets of Russian banks and a visa suspension for certain Russian individuals and entities, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on February 25.


About which banks and persons in question are not yet indicated. "This is an extremely serious situation with implications for the international order not only in Europe but also in Asia and beyond," Kishida added.


07:31

Petr Chernyshev , founder of Office Pi: This is what IDEAL sanctions against Russia should be.

Read the review at the link .

06:38

EU announces details of new sanctions due to Russian aggression


"The package of sanctions approved tonight will affect 70% of the Russian banking market, as well as the most important state-owned companies, including those in the military sector," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference after the leaders' meeting.


According to her, the sanctions will increase Russia's spending on loans, lead to an acceleration of inflation and will gradually undermine the industry.

Sanctions in the energy sector will make it harder for Russia to upgrade its refinery equipment and plants.

The sale of aircraft, parts and aviation equipment to Russian companies is completely prohibited. "75% of Russia's current commercial air fleet are aircraft built in the US, the EU and Canada and are therefore very dependent on it," von der Leyen explained.

In addition, the EU restricts Russia's access to the latest technologies important for modernization and development, such as semiconductors and other advanced technologies.

Sanctions against the Russian elites will prevent them from maintaining their assets in Europe.

Due to the introduced restrictions in the visa policy, Russian diplomats and businessmen will lose the privileged opportunity to enter the EU countries.

04:51

Taiwan will also hit Russia with sanctions



The Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced economic sanctions due to Russia 's invasion of Ukraine .



The ministry "strongly condemned" Russia 's decision to go to war against Ukraine and called Moscow a serious threat to the rules - based international order.



"In order to force Russia to stop military aggression against Ukraine and resume peaceful dialogue between all interested parties as soon as possible, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) announces that it will join international economic sanctions against Russia," the message says.



Taiwan is the world leader in the production of semiconductor chips . However , what sanctions will be introduced against Russia has not yet been specified. 


04:12

CNN: New Zealand imposes travel bans on Russian officials and military exports to Russia



New Zealand enforced a travel ban on Russian officials and on the export of goods to the Russian military and security forces. The decision was a response to the Russian army's invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Friday.



New Zealand also again called on Russia to return to the negotiating table.



"...This is a member of the UN Security Council who is now blatantly undermining our rules-based international order," Ardern said at a news conference in Wellington.



"This is a flagrant use of military power and violence that will take innocent lives and we must stand up to it," Ardern said.



“...Our thoughts today are with the people of Ukraine affected by this conflict. Decades of peace and security in the region have been undermined,” she added.



24.02.2022

22:58

You can learn more about the US sanctions against the Russian Federation and figure out who exactly they will hook on here:


Sberbank, Gazprom and the Russian elite fell under US sanctions


22:11

US imposes powerful sanctions and restrictions against Russia


US President Joe Biden gave details at a briefing. According to him, the sanctions will affect more than half of all Russian high-tech imports.


"We will limit Russia's ability to do business in dollars, pounds and yen," Biden says.


Sanctions have been imposed on Rosbanks with $1 trillion in assets, he said, and will cut banks off the financial system, including VTB, which has $250 billion in assets.


Also, the United States and allies intend to limit the import of high-tech products by Russia by 50%. The new sanctions will affect, in particular, the space industry, as well as completely stop the development of the armed forces.


The sanctions will also hit Russian companies, which together have more than $1.4 trillion in the US market.


When asked by journalists why among the US sanctions there is no disconnection of Russia from SWIFT, Biden replied: "The sanctions that we have imposed exceed the sanctions against SWIFT. The sanctions imposed exceed everything that has ever been done."







21:01

Canada cancels permits for all imports from Russia


Canada is immediately halting all import permits for Russian goods and has no plans to disclose new ones, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said .


According to him, Canada will also impose personal sanctions against 58 Russians, including the ministers of defense, finance and justice.


20:33

Britain tightened sanctions: Russian banks are completely expelled from the country


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that G7 leaders agreed on Thursday to tighten sanctions against Russia and rid Europe of dependence on Russian oil and gas. In particular, Britain imposes the following sanctions:


"Given that half of Russian trade is carried out through the dollar and the pound sterling, I am pleased to report that the United States is taking similar steps," Johnson said.

A complete and immediate freeze of VTB Bank's assets is envisaged.

Large Russian companies and the state will be prohibited from raising finance or lending money in the UK markets.

Another 100 individuals and legal entities will fall under the asset freeze. Among them are Putin's former son-in-law Kirill Shamalov, VTB vice-president Denis Bortnikov, head of Promsvyazbank Pyotr Fradkov.

Aeroflot airlines will be banned from flying to the UK.

Dual-use export licenses will be suspended to cover goods that can be used for military purposes.

In a few days, the UK will stop exporting high-tech goods and equipment for oil refining.

There will be a limit on deposits that Russians can keep in UK bank accounts.

Similar financial sanctions will be common in Belarus for its role in the attack on Ukraine.


Johnson stressed that the issue of disconnecting Russia from the Swift interbank payment system "is not removed from the agenda."


The British Prime Minister ended his speech with the words "Glory to Ukraine" in Ukrainian.




19:45

Germany, Italy, Hungary and Cyprus block EU decision to disconnect Russia from SWIFT


CNN writes about this with reference to EU officials. The opinions of the EU countries are still divided, the publication points out, which is why the EU has not yet introduced this punishment for Moscow.


It is supported by Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. But Germany, Italy, Hungary and Cyprus have stronger economic ties with the Russian Federation and do not want to include this restriction in the package of new sanctions.


Editor's Note: We do not recommend planning a summer vacation or any vacation ever in these countries.




19:01

Switzerland joins EU sanctions against Russia


The Swiss Federal Government has decided to join the European Union sanctions against Russia.


"The Bundesrat strongly condemns Russia's military intervention. Switzerland ensures that EU sanctions cannot be circumvented and generally accepts a list of individuals and companies subject to EU sanctions," Swiss government spokesman André Simonazzi said.


After the occupation of Crimea, the Swiss Bundesrat, for reasons of the country's neutrality, did not directly join the sanctions against Russia.


18:33

France will hit Russia with "sanctions of the same level as the aggression for which Russia must answer"


French President Emmanuel Macron said this in a televised address to the French people , standing in front of the flags of France, the European Union and Ukraine.


"Last night's events mark a turning point in European history," he said. Moscow faces harsh sanctions that will hit its military, economy and energy sector. "We will respond to this act of war without weakness, with calmness, determination and unity," he promised.


 


17:40

Latvia stops issuing visas to Russians


This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgar Rinkevich. Riga stops issuing visas to Russians and recalls its ambassador to Russia, the Latvian Foreign Minister noted.




16:08

NATO condemned the actions of Russia and Belarus, plans to deploy additional forces on the eastern flank


"We support the people of Ukraine and its legally, democratically elected president, parliament and government. We will always support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters," the Alliance noted.


NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg added that  the bloc considers Ukraine a valuable partner, but against the backdrop of a new Russian invasion, it does not plan to send its troops to strengthen the defense capability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.




15:45

48 states and five international organizations have already come out in support of Ukraine


This was reported by the Ministry of Defense.


Statements in support of Ukraine were made by: Germany, France, Australia, USA, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Moldova, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Mexico, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Portugal, Bulgaria, New Zealand, Cyprus, Italy, Iceland, Georgia, Croatia, Korea, Spain, Costa Rica, Brazil, Japan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Belgium, Colombia, Canada, Peru, Singapore , Palestine, Belize.


From international organizations, we were supported by the EU, NATO, OSCE, UN.





14:24

"Putin's friend" Milos Zeman urgently urged to disconnect Russia from SWIFT


Czech President Milos Zeman issued an emergency address to the citizens of the country in connection with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He strongly condemned Russian aggression, expressed support for Ukraine and called for extremely harsh sanctions against the Kremlin - in particular, disconnecting Russia from the international financial communication system SWIFT.


According to Zeman, the Russian authorities have committed a crime against international peace. The Czech President admitted that he was wrong when he said that Russia would not start a war because "the Russians are not crazy." "The madmen must be isolated," he said.




11:13

Australia condemned Russia for the invasion. Imposes sanctions against another 25 Russians


Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced sanctions against another 25 Russians, including army commanders, mercenaries and ministers. Sanctions will also be imposed on four entities involved in the development and sale of military technology and weapons, Morrison said. This is the second package of sanctions, he specified. Australia imposed the first on February 23 on eight Russian officials working in the security and oil and gas sectors.


"There will be further waves of sanctions as soon as we identify those responsible for these egregious actions, including we will start (sanctions - Ed.) against about 300 members of the Russian parliament," the prime minister said.


In addition, Morrison announced the introduction of financial sanctions, according to which Australian citizens and Australian structures cannot do business with five Russian banks.


10:03

The EU told the details about their "hellish sanctions" for the Russian Federation


The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that today the European Commission will submit large-scale sanctions against Russia for the approval of the leaders of the EU states because of the attack on Ukraine, European Pravda reports .


Some of the sanctions are similar to those measures that the EU has already taken before, but they will now cover most of the Russian economy, she said: “In these sanctions, we will hit strategic sectors of the Russian economy, block access to technologies and markets that are key for Russia. We will weaken the foundation of the Russian economy and its ability to modernize."


It is also known that the EU intends to centrally block Russia's state assets abroad and suspend the access of Russian banks to financial markets.




06:38

"The world will hold Russia accountable" - Biden


US President Joe Biden issued a statement in connection with Russia's launch of a full-scale aggression against Ukraine. According to him, the United States, its allies and partners will respond unitedly and decisively to the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch an invasion:


"The whole world is praying for Ukraine, which is suffering from an unprovoked and unjustified attack by the Russian armed forces. President Putin has chosen a war that will inflict catastrophic loss of life and suffering."


He promised to meet with G7 colleagues soon and announce "further consequences that the United States, our allies and partners will impose on Russia for this unnecessary act of aggression against Ukraine and global peace and security."



04:45

PUTIN DECLARED WAR ON UKRAINE. DEMANDS FROM THE APU "TO LAY UP THE WEAPON".


Ukrainian cities and infrastructure facilities were shelled.


23.02.2022

21:33

Biden imposed sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 operator

These steps are reportedly another part of the initial tranche of US sanctions in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. According to the President of the United States, by his actions, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the world an incentive to abandon Russian gas and switch to other types of energy.


“As I have made clear, we will not hesitate to take further steps if Russia continues to escalate,” Biden said.




18:00

The European Union has imposed sanctions against Russia . They will affect 555 individuals and 52 companies


EU sanctions consist of three parts. 351 deputies of the State Duma fell under them , that is, all those who voted for the decision to recognize the occupied territories as "republics", as well as 27 individuals and legal entities that played a significant role in this recognition. Among them are members of the Russian government, banks, businessmen and oligarchs who financially or materially support or benefit from Russian operations in the Donbas, as well as representatives of the Russian high military command.


These sanctions include freezing assets, a ban on entry or transit through the territory of the European Union.


Secondly, sanctions are being imposed against the "republics" themselves . These restrictions include a ban on the import of goods from the territories not controlled by Ukraine of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, restrictions on trade and investment, a ban on the provision of tourism services and a ban on the export of certain goods and technologies.


The third package is sectoral sanctions that limit the Russian government's access to European capital markets and financial services.


The restrictive EU measures imposed for violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine after today's decision concern 555 individuals and 52 legal entities. The names and titles of those affected by the sanctions will be published later in the official journal of the EU.




12:38

Verkhovna Rada supported sanctions against Russians who voted for "independence" of ORDLO



The Ukrainian parliament adopted a resolution imposing sanctions against deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation who voted for the recognition of "L/DNR". There are 351 deputies on the sanctions list.


The Council of National Security and Defense of Ukraine is proposed to freeze their assets for 10 years, prohibit entry, prohibit participation in privatization, lease of state property, transactions with securities, etc.


12:30

Australia will join other countries in imposing financial sanctions against Russia



This was announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Australia will impose a travel ban and targeted financial sanctions on eight Russian Federation Security Council members who "facilitate" Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he said. They will be prohibited from any financial transactions related to Australian structures and organizations.


He also added that Australia's sanctions in Crimea will be extended to Donetsk and Lugansk regions, which are not controlled by the government of Ukraine.


The sanctions will affect transport, energy, telecommunications, oil, gas and minerals, as well as several Russian banks.


11:55

Canada has imposed a package of economic sanctions against Russia



The sanctions include:


The introduction of restrictions on deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation who voted for the decision to recognize the "independence" of ORDLO.

The introduction of a ban on agreements in non-government controlled so-called "republics", which will effectively prohibit Canadians from participating in specific agreements and activities in these regions.

Introduction of new bans on direct and indirect transactions with Russia's sovereign debt.

The imposition of sanctions against two large Russian financial institutions (the names of state-owned banks are not specified - Ed. ) to prevent Russia from further financing its aggressive actions.



11:22

Britain will close Russia's access to financial markets in case of further aggression



British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that the next "tranches" of British sanctions against Russia, in case of further aggression, will be tougher. They include bans on the sale of Russian sovereign debt and sanctions against key Russian oligarchs and organizations.


"We have made it clear that we are going to limit Russia's access to British markets. There will be tougher sanctions against key oligarchs, against key organizations that will limit Russia's access to financial markets in the event of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine," Truss said.


10:03

Japan also imposes sanctions against Russia



This was announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida: "Russia's actions are clearly damaging the sovereignty of Ukraine and contrary to international law. We once again criticize these actions and urge Russia to return to diplomatic discussions," he said.


According to him, the sanctions include a ban on issuing Russian bonds in Japan and freezing the assets of some Russians, as well as restricting travel to Japan. They also provide for the cessation of issuing visas to representatives of the DPR and LPR and the freezing of their capital, the ban on export-import relations with these republics, as well as the placement and operations with the new sovereign debt of the Russian government.


The Japanese Prime Minister added that the details of the sanctions would be worked out and announced in the coming days. If the situation in Ukraine worsens, Japan is ready to move to tougher actions, the prime minister assured.




00:33

US Treasury releases details of sanctions against Russia


In particular, two Russian banks Vnesheconombank and Promsvyazbank, as well as 42 of their subsidiaries, fell under them. These are the fifth and eighth largest banks in the Russian Federation, respectively - they will be cut off from the US financial system and will not be able to work in the States. Sanctions will also affect five Russian ships owned by one of Promsvyazbank's subsidiaries.


In addition, the US Treasury is imposing repeated sanctions against:


- Director of the FSB Alexander Bortnikov and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko;


- sanctions will also be imposed on the children of Russian officials - Denis Bortnikov (deputy chairman of the board of VTB Bank and son of the director of the FSB), Pyotr Fradkov ( son of ex-premier and ex-Christmas Eve of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Mikhail Fradkov) and Vladimir Kiriyenko ( general director of VK Group and son of the deputy head of the AP).


22.02.2022

21:55

Biden announced the first package of sanctions against Russia: sovereign debt and Russian elites will fall under them



"We will tighten sanctions, given the development of events," - said US President Joe Biden.


The first package of sanctions will concern the sovereign debt of Russia - it will not be able to trade government bonds. They will also affect Russian banks - according to Biden, VEB (Vnesheconombank) and the military bank (which one is unknown - LIGA.net ) are completely blocked.


In addition, the sanctions will affect the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, Russian elites and their families, Biden said. Sanctions against the elites will be tomorrow.




21:06

"No more shopping in Milan, no more parties in St. Tropez, no more diamonds in Antwerp. This is the first step."



So on Twitter, the EU sanctions against the Russians were commented by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell.




20:08

"And there will be great pain." EU agrees sanctions against Russia



The European Union has decided to impose sanctions for Russia's recognition of the "L/DPR": they will affect 27 individuals and legal entities, as well as more than 350 deputies of the Russian State Duma.



Among the 27 sanctioned persons are those who made decisions and are responsible for threats to Ukraine; those who financially helped the Russian military; those who carried out disinformation campaigns against Ukraine. As well as those who finance decision-makers in the occupied territories. Sanctions will also be imposed for any economic relations with ORDLO. In addition, the EU will limit Russia's access to the capital and financial markets of the European Union.



Putin himself is not on the list.



The editor of the European edition of Radio Liberty, Rikard Jozwiak, clarified on Twitter that we are talking about a ban on entry, an asset freeze and restrictions on Russian state-owned banks.



"This package of sanctions, approved unanimously, will hurt Russia, and it will be a big pain. We are doing this in coordination with our partners in the US, Britain and Canada, with whom I have been in close contact during these hours," the High Representative commented on the decision. EU Foreign Affairs Officer Josep Borrell.


19:26

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine, Germany is stopping the certification of the Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream-2.


What does it mean? Does this effectively stop the thread? And most importantly, can such a decision stop Russia's aggression?

Alena Osmolovskaya , director of the Reform Office at the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, explains in her column .

More - follow the  link .

18:30

Taiwan is also preparing to impose sanctions on Russia for crimes against Ukraine



Wang Ting -yu , member of Taiwan's parliament from the Foreign Affairs and National Security Committee , said : "Our government is ready to impose economic sanctions against Russia together with like-minded people and partners."


18:22

France called Putin's speech "paranoid" and is already preparing sanctions



Putin's speech, in which he recognized the Russian-occupied areas of Donbass as "independent", is a mixture of "backward and paranoid ideas," a spokesman for the French president said, adding that the Russian leader "did not fulfill the promises he made" to Macron.


"We and our European partners are going to impose appropriate targeted sanctions against Russia's interests," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Mer said, adding that France reserves the right to tighten sanctions if Putin goes further in his actions.




18:18

Danish Pension Fund Stops Investments in Russian Assets



The $23 billion AkademikerPension fund will stop new investments in Russian government bonds and companies in which the state owns more than 50%, reports Reuters . The fund owns Russian assets in the amount of $ 56.87 million.


"Putin's formal recognition of the two separatist republics is a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, a violation of international law. And also a violation of our responsible investment policy," Jens Munk Golst, the fund's executive director, said.


18:03

Japan plans to limit the supply of advanced technologies to Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine



Japan is considering joining US sanctions against Russia in the event of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In particular, according to Yomiuri , the Japanese will limit the export of advanced technologies, including semiconductors, technologies related to artificial intelligence and robotics.


This will be a wider ban than in 2014. Tokyo is also considering tightening restrictions on Russian banks.




17:08

The EU has officially announced what kind of sanctions will be considered today against the Russian Federation.



EU foreign ministers will present the first package of sanctions against Russia in the evening - the statement of the heads of the European Council and the European Commission lists the main areas of sanctions:


against those involved in the illegal decision to recognize ORDLO;

against banks that finance Russian troops and their operations on the territory of Ukraine;

restricting the Kremlin's access to EU financial markets and services;

restriction on trade with ORDLO.

"The EU is prepared and stands ready to take further action at a later stage if required in light of further developments," the statement said.



15:45

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a response statement to the actions of the Russian Federation



In it, the Verkhovna Rada also called on other countries to condemn the actions of the Russian Federation, strengthen the defense capability of Ukraine, introduce additional tough sectoral, financial and private sanctions against the Russian Federation and the leadership, including disconnecting the Russian Federation from SWIFT, freezing Nord Stream-2, prohibiting the export of high technologies, in particular relating to the military-industrial complex. 


14:58

UK imposes sanctions on five banks and three oligarchs close to Putin



The sanctions list includes five Russian banks, including Bank Rossiya, Promsvyazbank, IS Bank, Genbank, the Black Sea Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as oligarchs close to Vladimir Putin Gennady Timchenko, Boris Rotenberg and his nephew Igor Rotenberg.


“Any assets they own in the UK will be frozen. Individuals will be denied entry and we will ban all UK citizens and entities from doing business with them. This is the first tranche of what we have prepared, we will hold the rest of the sanctions in case of further escalation," Johnson said, speaking in the British Parliament.




14:55

The German Bundestag called for urgent sanctions against Putin's oligarchs



"Already the first sanctions should be painful for Putin's system," said Michael Roth, head of the foreign policy committee of the Bundestag. According to him, often these people live in Paris, London, Berlin or Rome, send their children to schools in the West, invest money and take holidays.



14:38

The EU promises to impose sanctions against Russia on the evening of Tuesday 22 February. They will affect hundreds of Russian deputies and organizations.



Details CNN told the European top diplomat on condition of anonymity. In particular, the European Commission is considering sanctions against 27 people and organizations, including politicians, propagandists, military personnel and financial institutions, which the EU considers to be associated with "illegal activities" in the regions.


There will also be sanctions against 351 Russian deputies who voted for recognition, and 11 who proposed it, as well as those who advocated the introduction of Russian troops.


Most EU countries are "in favor" of sanctions, he said, "but those with long-standing close ties to Moscow are making the bloc as a whole nervous that veto power could be used." He added that some countries are pushing for a "gradual" imposition of sanctions, "raising the question of whether they will shy away from enacting the most difficult parts of the proposed sanctions package."



13:08

Germany freezes certification of Nord Stream 2 - Scholz.



"The German Ministry of Economy has been given appropriate instructions," the Chancellor said. At the same time, Scholz called Berlin's refusal to supply weapons to Kiev "a permanent situation."



10:03

Lithuanian Defense Minister Anusauskas said that the West should impose sanctions not against the terrorists of the LDNR, but against Russia.


07:38

The Australian government has stated that Putin's decision to recognize the militants has no legal force under international law, and the troops he sent to ORDLO are not "peacekeepers" at all.



"Russia must unconditionally withdraw its troops," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said . The official confirmed that Australia will follow the example of other Western countries and impose sanctions. His government is considering a range of visa options for Ukrainians who may have to leave the country.


01:38

"Sanctions immediately!" - demands the President of Poland Andrzej Duda .



He said that in a situation where Putin is undermining the European order established at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, "great unity and a tough stance on the part of NATO, the EU and the countries of our region" are needed. "Only a tough stance and political defense of Ukraine can stop the aggressor," he said.


01:33

Biden imposed the first  US sanctions


The decree prohibits the investments and financial activities of US representatives in the territory of CADLO, as well as the export and import, directly or indirectly, of any goods, services or technologies from these regions to the United States.


The decree also allows the imposition of sanctions on any person who decides to act independently in the self-proclaimed ORDLO.


All property and parts in it, which are located in the United States or later enter the United States, and belong to persons associated with the "L/DNR", will be blocked.


01:24

Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau : "This is a gross violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and international law. Canada strongly supports Ukraine. We will impose economic sanctions for these actions. In addition, we reject and condemn Russian decrees on the introduction of armed forces into Ukraine. We, We continue to firmly support the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine. Canada and our allies will defend the democracy and freedom of the Ukrainian people."




00:11

The UK and the EU have agreed to coordinate to impose swift sanctions against the Putin regime and stand side by side with Ukraine, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said after speaking with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell.


21.02.2022

23:49

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the Kremlin's recognition of the militants requires a quick and tough response. He assured: the States will take retaliatory steps in coordination with partners.


22:29

British Prime Minister Boris Jonson said that Russia's recognition of the "L/DPR" is a violation of international law, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.


Johnson called Moscow's move "a dark sign" that the situation is moving in the wrong direction.


Britain will impose sanctions "immediately," the British prime minister promised. They will target Russian economic interests "as much as we can" and hit "the economic interests that support the Russian war machine."


 


22:22

" This is a blatant violation of international law , which should provoke the most severe reaction from the international community. We firmly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Romanian President Klaus Iogannis said  on Twitter . Romania strongly condemns Russia's recognition of the occupied territories of Donbass as "independent republics," he stressed.


22:18

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that Russia's recognition of the "L/DPR" is an act of aggression against Ukraine, to which the world must respond with immediate sanctions.


"The decision to recognize the self-proclaimed "republics" is a final rejection of dialogue and a gross violation of international law . This is an act of aggression against Ukraine, which must be answered with an unequivocal response in the form of immediate sanctions. This is the only language that Putin understands. I call for the urgent convening of the European We are happy on this issue," Morawiecki wrote.

About Steven Perry

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Your comment and facebook share will be appreciated