News   /   Reports

EU, US and Britain threaten new sanctions on Russia

Jerome Hughes
Press TV, Brussels

EU foreign affairs ministers gathered in Brussels on Monday for their final scheduled meeting of 2021. They accuse Moscow of massing troops near Ukraine's border in preparation for a possible invasion.

Moscow denies it intends to invade Ukraine and accuses Kiev of Western-backed provocation. Many analysts say the EU's undying support for Ukraine is nothing short of scandalous.

Just last September, the European Court of Auditors, the 27-nation bloc's financial watchdog, published a report showing corruption in Ukraine is rife at the highest levels; among politicians, the judiciary and state-owned enterprises. The report states that since 2014 EU taxpayers have sent €12.5bn to Kiev via the European Commission, but corruption reform efforts have failed.

New sanctions against Russia, being considered by the EU, include travel bans and asset freezes, targeting politicians. The federation's banking sector could be hit. Perhaps the new gas pipeline between Russia and Germany might be blocked from becoming operational. The Kremlin has warned against further provocation. Despite all the rhetoric, analysts point out that the EU and Russia are major trading partners, particularly in the area of energy.

Those relations are currently at an all time low and will be the subject of much debate when EU leaders hold a summit here in the Belgian capital this Thursday.


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku