Overview of a Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant (Reuters)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the 19th round of sanctions against Russia, urging EU member states to impose new measures on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to force Moscow to end its "cruel" war in Ukraine.
Von der Leyen said on Friday, "Russia's war economy is sustained by fossil fuel revenues. We want to cut these revenues. Therefore, we are banning the import of Russian liquefied natural gas into the European market."
The sanctions must be approved by all 27 EU member states to take effect.
Von der Leyen said, "It's time to turn off the tap." She called on member states to quickly approve this measure.
She added, "We want Russia to leave the battlefield and return to the negotiating table, which is the way to bring real opportunities for peace."
The EU sanctions have targeted over 2,500 entities, including banks, ministries, energy companies, and officials.
The sanctioned individuals include President Vladimir Putin and his close allies, dozens of Russian parliamentarians, and several oligarchs. The sanctions mainly include travel bans and asset freezes.
Von der Leyen stated that the existing EU sanctions are already having an effect.
She said, "Russia's overheated wartime economy is about to reach its limit," and pointed out that Russia's inflation remains high.
The EU has implemented 18 rounds of sanctions against Moscow so far, although reaching agreement on new targets usually takes several weeks.
Last year, Russian liquefied natural gas accounted for about 16% of the EU's total imports, with Europe being Russia's largest liquefied natural gas buyer.
Hungary and Slovakia opposed phasing out Russian liquefied natural gas, creating potential obstacles for further action, as they are known to use their veto power to seek concessions.
Moscow will "pay the price"
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in another statement that the EU will fulfill its previous commitment ahead of schedule, aiming to stop all liquefied natural gas imports by January 1, 2027.
She posted on X, "Our goal is to accelerate the phase-out of Russian liquefied natural gas, with the deadline set for January 1, 2027."
"Moscow believes it can continue this war. We want to ensure it pays the price for this."
Kallas stated that the EU also hopes to "simplify" sanctions against individuals involved in abducting Ukrainian children.
Since 2022, Russia has faced global criticism for expelling Ukrainian families, many of whom had children.
Kallas posted on social media, "Taking children away from their families and sending them to re-education camps is unfathomable. We will not allow Russia to turn children themselves into weapons."
UK Sanctions Georgian Entrepreneurs
Meanwhile, the UK announced sanctions against two Georgian entrepreneurs on Friday for supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, as well as sanctions against two oil tankers carrying Russian oil.
The UK Foreign Office stated in a statement, "The UK announced new sanctions against individuals associated with Georgia who support Putin's illegal war in Ukraine."
The UK Foreign Office statement said, "As Russia's war base weakens, the Kremlin is increasingly seeking agents in third countries to support its war and propaganda efforts, including actions in Georgia."
The sanctioned individuals include Georgian media mogul and politician Levan Vashadze, accused by the UK of spreading pro-Russian disinformation.
The sanctioned individuals include Georgian media mogul and politician Levan Vashadze, accused by the UK of spreading pro-Russian disinformation.
Otar Patshaia, former chief prosecutor of Georgia, was also sanctioned, with London stating he has "extensive connections with Russia."
In addition, two oil tankers were sanctioned for transporting Russian oil to the Batumi port in Georgia, violating Western restrictions.
The statement said, "Putin's war machine relies on international networks to spread lies and fund these networks."
"We are cutting another lifeline, targeting and deterring those who support Putin's illegal war in Ukraine in Georgia."
Sources: Al Jazeera Plus Press Agency
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