PARIS, Apr 8 The EU will continue its sanctions policy against Russia because of the military operation in Ukraine , said French President Emmanuel Macron.
"Paris will continue to exert sanctions pressure (on Russia — Approx. Ed.). We already (in the EU) made decisions in the morning, to which France was also pushing,» he said on the air of the RTL radio station.
On April 8, the European Union approved new anti-Russian restrictions. They provide for a ban on the import of coal from the country from August 2022 and the entry of ships flying the Russian flag into the ports of member countries. In addition, the organization will reduce cooperation with trucking companies from Russia and Belarus. The measures also include a “complete ban on transactions of four key banks”, expanding lists of personal sanctions against individuals and organizations. Meanwhile, the sanctions have affected the lives of Europeans due to the destruction of logistics and supply chains. The cost of groceries in stores has risen sharply, in addition, fuel and electricity prices have increased. According to the forecasts of experts and businessmen, a complete rejection of energy resources from Russia will stop entire sectors of the economy. Also, many politicians speak out about the futility of such actions. President Vladimir Putin called its goal «the protection of people who have been subjected to bullying and genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years.» For this, according to him, it is planned to carry out «demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine», to bring to justice all war criminals responsible for «bloody crimes against civilians» in Donbass.