You're reading: Package of new EU sanctions against Russia could be prepared by Sept. 5

The European Union on Friday, Sept. 5, could prepare a package of new sanctions against Russia if Moscow does not stop its direct aggression against Ukraine, Ukraine's representative at the EU, Ambassador Kostiantyn Yeliseyev, has said.

“Today [on Monday] the relevant discussions started in the EU committee at the level of ambassadors. We expect that by Friday a powerful package of sanctions will be presented to the leaders of EU states so that they could be imposed if Russia continues its aggressive policy,” Yeliseyev on the Fifth TV Channel by phone from Brussels on Monday, Sept. 1.

“The development of events linked to the invasion of Russian troops of the territory of Ukraine was a surprise for EU. They needed time to digest this. But now the EU has started acting resolutely,” he said.

The diplomat noted that after the visit of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to Brussels it was decided to apply a new wave of sanctions against Russia.

“We speak not only about economic sanctions, but a set of measures linked to the restrictions on the financial markets for Russia. A possibility of imposing embargo on arms is being discussed, but there is the position of some EU countries, which abstained. We speak not only about sanctions – we speak about the powerful front of solidarity of the European Union to make Russia appreciate its isolation,” he said.

He said that non-standards measures are being considered: the issue of depriving Russia of the right to host the 2018 football World Cup is being actively discussed now.

Yeliseyev said that EU is in a resolute mood to support Ukraine. This concerns military and technical cooperation as well.

“I expect that after a certain pause after the surprise – the invasion of Russian troops – they will support Ukraine with the powerful front to ensure the sovereignty and inviolability of our borders and ward off its transformation into a state of the Bosnia type. This concerns military and technical, financial, humanitarian, political and other aid. The EU is ready to provide this. Of course, it will take time, but there is an agreement to do it as soon as possible, in the shortest terms,” the diplomat said.