Poland has submitted a comprehensive proposal for new European Union (EU) sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. The proposal aims to target key sectors such as the diamond trade, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services, and the Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) market. Poland also emphasizes the importance of aligning sanctions against Belarus with those imposed on Moscow.
One significant aspect of the proposal is the ban on Russian diamonds, which has generated billions in revenue for the Russian budget. By preventing the import of these diamonds, Poland seeks to cripple a major source of income for the Russian government. Additionally, Poland advocates for individual sanctions on the Russian Alrosa diamond company, citing its involvement in supporting Russian military forces in Ukraine.
Another crucial point in the proposal is the call to ban the provision of ICT services to entities from Russia. This includes computer software, cybersecurity services, and other IT-related services. Poland argues that the current ban on IT consultancy services is limited and proposes a broader range of restrictions to effectively deter Russian aggression.
Furthermore, Poland recommends the EU to cease buying Russian LPG, an exclusion not previously included in past embargoes that targeted similar petroleum products. The objective is to maintain transparency and integrity within the LPG market and prevent any distortions of competition.
The proposal submitted by Poland will now undergo a thorough review by the European Commission. If approved, it will be presented to all ambassadors of EU governments in Brussels for final approval. However, it is important to note that the final EU sanctions package may not include all aspects of the Polish proposal.
In addition to the proposed measures, Poland suggests further actions such as reducing the import quota on Russian synthetic rubber, prohibiting imports of Russian steel shapes and cores, and banning imports of caustic soda. The proposal also calls for the inclusion of more Russian military industry companies in the sanctions package, as well as entities involved in spreading Kremlin disinformation and those associated with the Rosatom nuclear energy company.
The proposal also targets specific individuals and companies, such as oligarch Andrei Kosogov and the AlfaStrakhovanie company, which provides insurance for military vehicles used by the National Guard of the Russian Federation. These targeted sanctions aim to hold key individuals and entities accountable for their complicity in Russia’s aggressive actions.
Lastly, the proposal highlights the need for new sanctions against Belarus, emphasizing the importance of aligning measures with those imposed on Russia. Failing to do so creates a loophole where Belarus can serve as a gateway for evading EU sanctions against Russia.
Ultimately, the inclusion of various elements from the Polish proposal in the final EU sanctions package remains uncertain. However, Poland’s unwavering commitment to taking a strong stance against Russian aggression and its dedication to aligning sanctions against both Russia and Belarus is evident.
Useful links:
1. BBC – Poland proposes new EU sanctions against Russia over Ukraine
2. Al Jazeera – Poland proposes import ban on Russian diamonds
