International sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War

EU foreign ministers are discussing a sixth package of sanctions against Russia in Luxembourg today, including an embargo on oil and gas imports. Bulgaria is represented by Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska.

The EU Council today adopted the fifth package of sanctions against Russia - the most severe so far. They were imposed because of the war against Ukraine.

For the first time, a ban has been imposed on the import of coal from Russia, as well as on the entry of Russian-flagged ships into EU ports. The ban also affects Russia's import of vodka from the EU.

The countries of the Group of Seven (G-7) will increase pressure on Russia, including by imposing additional sanctions on Russian state structures. G7 leaders said this in a statement issued yesterday after the summit.

The United States imposed sanctions on Turkey’s defense industry following its purchase of the Russian S-400s

In a resolution passed by 513 votes to 22, with 19 abstentions, MEPs called for additional sanctions, including an "immediate full embargo on imports of oil, coal, nuclear fuel and gas originating in Russia".

The European Union will launch a total economic war against Russia. This was stated by the Minister of Finance of France Bruno Le Maire in an interview with France Info radio.

"We will launch a total economic and financial war against Russia," the minister said. "The Russian people will bear the consequences."

The session started around 12.25, and its beginning was followed by great applause addressed to the Ambassador of Ukraine to the EU, as well as to the citizens of Ukraine who were invited to the extraordinary session of the European Parliament. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, will also address the audience.

EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said that the EU Council last night supported the adoption of aid packages for Ukrainian military forces, new sanctions against Russia, diplomatic engagement aimed at isolating Russia, measures to support Ukraine and the region and the fight against misinformation.

The meeting will discuss the conflict in Ukraine and potential options for helping that country, said the President of the World Bank, David Malpass.

The European Union will supply Ukrainian troops with deadly weapons worth 450m euros, said European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.