The move is part of broad Western push to help Ukraine maintain its ruthless resistance.
Brussels:
EU countries remained divided on Monday over a ban on Russian energy imports as a top bloc official denounced “a massive war crime” committed by Moscow in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol.
But the foreign and defense ministers meeting in Brussels did give the green light to double an arms financial package to Ukraine to €1 billion.
The EU and western allies have unleashed a barrage of sanctions that have plagued Russia’s economy as they seek to punish President Vladimir Putin for invading his neighbor.
Some member states, including the Baltic states and Ireland, have pushed for a new round of sanctions to hit Russia’s main oil exports.
But economic superpower Germany – and other countries that still rely on Russian fossil fuels – are reluctant to target key sectors.
“Today was not a day to make decisions in the area, so no decision was made,” said EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell.
“What we need to do is ensure that we come up with an effective response that does not result in unbearable costs for Member States.”
Irish Foreign Secretary Simon Coveney said energy is a “clear area we need to focus on if we want these sanctions to bite”.
“But unfortunately it is not that simple and that is because a number of EU Member States are highly dependent on Russian oil and gas.”
He said ministers have now effectively cleared the way for EU leaders to take a decision at a summit later in the week.
The debate over a new round of sanctions comes as Russia pushes ahead with its devastating attack on Ukrainian cities, especially the port of Mariupol.
“What is happening in Mariupol now is a massive war crime, destroying everything, bombing and killing everyone,” said Borrell.
He also accused Russia of forcing as many Ukrainians as possible to flee the country after more than 3 million fled across the border to the EU.
“I am convinced that Putin is using the refugees as a tool, as an arm and as much guidance as possible,” Borrell said.
“They didn’t destroy the transportation infrastructure, they just destroyed the cities to terrify the civilians and let them escape.”
In an effort to support Kiev, the EU has enlisted an arms supplier to fund the supply of weapons to help Ukrainian forces fight back against Russian invaders.
Borrell said ministers on Monday gave their political agreement to add an additional 500 million euros ($550 million) to a package to fund arms for Ukraine.
The move — expected to be formally signed later this week — is part of broad Western push to help Ukraine maintain its ruthless resistance.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.)
