The European Union Condemns Russian Attacks on Aleppo; Possibility of Increased Sanctions on Syria

On Monday, the foreign ministers of the 28 EU member states condemned the Russian airstrikes on eastern Aleppo, stating that Moscow may have committed a war crime with these attacks. The EU also announced its readiness to intensify sanctions against Syria. According to Reuters, the EU foreign ministers called for an immediate ceasefire and a halt to attacks on eastern Aleppo. The EU statement noted that since the beginning of the assault by government forces and their allies, particularly Russia, the bombing of eastern Aleppo has continued severely and unevenly. It is reported that about 275,000 people are trapped in eastern Aleppo. The EU also emphasized that Russian fighter jets are 'deliberately targeting hospitals, medical personnel, schools, and infrastructure' and bombing Syrian citizens with barrel bombs and chemical weapons. The EU stated that these attacks could constitute a war crime and that crimes in Syria should be investigated by the International Criminal Court. Although the EU does not have a military role in the Syrian civil war, this statement represents one of the strongest positions taken by the union regarding Russia's role in the civil war. Earlier this month, France and Spain also attempted to pass a resolution on a ceasefire in Syria at the UN Security Council, which was vetoed by Russia. The EU has indicated that it is prepared to impose new sanctions, such as travel bans and asset freezes against Syrian government officials. To date, the EU has sanctioned 208 Syrian government officials and 69 companies. International organizations report that at least 300,000 people have been killed in nearly six years of the Syrian civil war, and millions have been displaced from their homes. In this context, '14 family members' were killed in the bombing of the city of Aleppo. Warnings from the US and the UK about the possibility of new sanctions against Syria and Russia. After a few days of pause, Russia 'resumed bombing eastern Aleppo.' The US: No significant progress is expected in Syrian negotiations.