Renew Europe has initiated a cross party letter, co-signed by fellow leaders within the European Parliament, calling on High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, to prepare wide- ranging dissuasive sanctions targeting Putin’s inner circle, in light of the continued mistreatment of Alexei Navalny and the deeply concerning military build-up of Russian forces in Ukraine.
Dacian Cioloş, President of Renew Europe, said today:
‘The time for the EU to warn Putin that there will be real consequences to his actions is now. In light of Navalny’s mistreatment and Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, wide – ranging measures targeting Putin’s inner circle and benefactors should be prepared.’
In January 2021, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the introduction of sanctions against Russian oligarchs related to the regime and members of President Putin’s inner circle. Renew Europe believes these sanctions should also be extended to their immediate family members.
‘Russian aggression towards Ukraine and attempts to destabilise the Black Sea region are unacceptable. The EU must work with the US and others to send a clear message that such provocations will have costs for those who benefit the most from Putin’s regime’ Dacian Cioloş continued.