EC head: mobilization in Russia and referendums in Donbas require new sanctions

Partial mobilization in Russia and planned referendums in Donbas require new sanctions against the country, stated In an interview with CNN, the head of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen.

“All this requires new sanctions on our part. <...> Sanctions are very effective. If you look at the Russian economy, the industry has collapsed,” she said (quote according to TASS).

According to von der Leyen, the Russian military-industrial complex is struggling due to the lack of supplies of semiconductors from the European Union (EU), and this suggests that “the sanctions are really biting.” The head of the EC also noted that the EU countries will continue to assist Ukraine “as much as necessary.”

Earlier, the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, referring to the statement of the EU foreign ministers declaredthat the EU countries will introduce new sanctions against Russia, its leadership and the organizers of referendums in the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DNR and LNR), Kherson and Zaporozhye regions “as soon as possible.”

On the eve of the European division of the publication Politico, citing four diplomats from EU countries reportedthat the EC is already preparing the eighth package of sanctions against Russia. According to the publication, consultations with representatives of EU member states will begin within a few days. The European Commission plans to discuss the proposals with EU ambassadors on 23 September. Diplomats suggest that a plan to limit the price of Russian oil, which is already being discussed by the G7 countries, will be discussed due to pressure from the United States. Other measures could be personal sanctions, a ban on the import of Russian diamonds and other luxury items.

September 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced about carrying out partial mobilization in the country. Later, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu explained that those in the reserve were subject to conscription under partial mobilization, he estimated their number at 300,000 people.

On September 23, in the territories of the LPR, DPR, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, referendums will begin on the issue of joining the territory of Russia.