The European Union Calls for New Sanctions Against Russia Due to Navalny's Death

On Monday, February 19, EU countries called for new sanctions against Moscow following the death of Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned opposition leader against Putin. This comes as the thirteenth package of sanctions against Moscow is on the agenda due to two years of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated on the sidelines of the EU foreign ministers' meeting that they must continue to support opponents of the Kremlin while monitoring developments in the war in Ukraine: "For about two years, Putin has waged this war against Ukraine and it does not seem he wants to end it. Therefore, we must continue our support for Ukraine and the Russian people who wish to live in freedom and pay tribute to Navalny on both political and military fronts." Yulia Navalnaya, Alexei Navalny's widow, also met with EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday. Before the meeting, she stated in a nine-minute video message that she would continue her late husband's fight for a "free Russia" and urged opponents to commit to battling Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, with more anger than ever. The EU's foreign policy chief, after meeting with Navalny's widow, expressed the EU's deep condolences to Yulia Navalnaya, stating that Vladimir Putin and his regime are responsible for Alexei's death. As Yulia said, Putin is not Russia. Russia is not Putin. We will continue to support civil society and independent media in Russia. Hungary is the only EU country that has not yet agreed to the proposed sanctions against nearly 200 companies and individuals involved in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Annalena Baerbock, Germany's foreign minister, expressed hope that the 27 EU countries would soon reach an agreement on the thirteenth sanctions package. EU officials say that if Budapest gives the green light, new sanctions will be announced on Wednesday. She stated, "We see how the President of Russia suppresses his own citizens who protest for freedom in the streets or write in newspapers. Therefore, we propose new sanctions in light of Alexei Navalny's death." Sweden and Lithuania were also among the countries calling for sanctions. The EU claims that sanctions against Moscow have reduced Russian trade by 135 billion euros since the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The EU also passed a law last week that will be the first step in using over 200 billion euros from the Russian central bank's assets in Europe for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official told Reuters that Washington and its allies are ready to impose strong sanctions against Russia. International protests over Alexei Navalny's death in prison and pointing to Vladimir Putin's responsibility have led to the arrest of hundreds in Russia for commemorating Navalny; Yulia Navalnaya: "I love you". Biden: "Putin is responsible for Alexei Navalny's death". EU members are nearing an agreement to approve the thirteenth sanctions package against Russia. The Islamic Republic's use of two British banks to circumvent sanctions has led to a drop in shares of 'Lloyds and Santander'. Verification: The Kremlin's disinformation machine continues its activities.