Because of Putin’s war of annihilation against the Ukrainians, the Europeans cut themselves off from Russia’s most important foreign exchange earner. But the break with Moscow goes deeper – and is permanent.
The geopolitical break between Europe and Russia has an exact date, namely December 31, 2023. By the end of next year, Hungary and Slovakia will also no longer be allowed to import crude oil or refined products from Russia in accordance with the sixth EU sanctions package. “Because of the specific geographic situation” and their “substantial dependence on crude oil imported from Russia by pipeline,” the two states are getting a reprieve, according to the draft of the new sanctions, which the “press” has seen.
This dispensation should ensure that all 27 member states agree to the European Commission’s proposal. “We will ensure that we bid farewell to Russian oil in an orderly manner, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The goal of the EU is no longer to persuade President Vladimir Putin to negotiate: “We want Ukraine to win this war,” said von der Leyen. “And that Putin has to pay a high price for his brutal war of aggression.”