EU agrees on first level of sanctions against Russia

Brussels, London It is a breach of international law, an act of aggression – but it is not yet a large-scale war of aggression: With his decision to recognize the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk, which are held by pro-Russian militias, as sovereign states and to move Russian troops there, Russian President Vladimir Putin is representing the West with a dilemma.

Does the Kremlin’s move justify the sweeping sanctions being prepared in Brussels, Washington and London? Or is a phased approach advisable?

The Europeans have now decided not to impose all the sanctions that have been prepared. The people involved in the invasion decision are to be met. Economic relations with the occupied territories are terminated, and the Russian state is denied access to the European financial markets.

Added to this is Germany’s decision to suspend the approval process for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.