The EU may impose new sanctions against Russia for strikes against Assad's opponents in Syria
The European Union does not rule out that new sanctions will be introduced against Russia in connection with its strikes on Syrian militants.
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An unnamed senior EU official told Interfax about this.
Sanctions may be introduced in connection with strikes against Islamist positions in Syria if they are considered inappropriate to the tasks of fighting terrorism. As the agency’s interlocutor clarified, the issue of imposing sanctions may be considered if it is confirmed that Russian air strikes are not carried out against the targets of the extremist group ISIS.
“Such development is possible. We will monitor Russia's actions in Syria. However, it is too early to talk about such a scenario now,” the source said. According to him, such issues “are not resolved easily at all” and “require careful analysis and preparation.” “For now, we only intend to express our concern that Russian air strikes may be targeting moderate opposition. And we are very concerned about whether civilians fall under them,” the agency’s interlocutor said. At the same time, he clarified that the draft conclusions of the EU Council are still being finalized.
Earlier, Interfax, citing an anonymous source in the EU, reported that the EU Council at the level of foreign ministers on October 12 will discuss Russia’s military operation in Syria. “We need to make sure that air strikes are carried out specifically against IS forces and are aimed at fighting terrorism,” the agency source said.
The EU may impose new sanctions on Russia for attacks on Assad's opponents in Syria.