However, it appeared unlikely that sanctions would be imposed on Ukraine’s energy sector soon despite the demand from Europe for those responsible for civilian casualties to be held accountable.
As civilian casualties mount in the besieged Ukrainian port of Mariupol, German Foreign Minister Annalena Bock spoke out about the Russian attack on civilian infrastructure including hospitals and theatres.
Baerbock stated that although the “courts will need to decide”, for me, these are war crimes.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s chief of foreign policy, presided over a meeting in Brussels where he said that “what is happening in Mariupol, is a huge war crime.” Bombarding and killing everyone in an indiscriminate way, destroying everything. This is a terrible thing.
The worst horrors of war have been experienced in the encircled south city on the Sea of Azov. Officials from the city claim that more than 2,300 people were killed in the siege. Some of them are buried in mass graves.
The International Criminal Court in the Netherlands gathers evidence about possible war crimes in Ukraine. Russia, however, does not recognize the tribunal’s jurisdiction.
Simon Coveney, the Irish Foreign Minister, stated that his country is open to “certainly open” to other mechanisms of accountability for the atrocities taking place in Ukraine.
Coveney stated that Russia’s invasion in Ukraine is “causing a fury throughout the European Union within public as to why we can’t stop it.” He also said that Europeans “want people to be held accountable for the decisions made and the brutality we have witnessed.”
Coveney believes that an EU-wide new round of sanctions will soon be drafted, possibly before the arrival of Joe Biden to Brussels on Thursday for talks at NATO headquarters and EU headquarters.
The EU countries are notorious for their slow response times and have rallied since February 24th to slap sanction on hundreds, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior Ministers, and pro-Kremlin Oligarchs.
Nearly all “entities”, including banks, companies, airlines, ship builders, and banks, have been affected in record time. The issue of imposing restrictions on Russian energy is still very sensitive due to the dependence of many EU nations on Russian oil.
Coveney stated that energy sanctions were unlikely to be discussed this week.
An international group of countries, led by Germany, wants to pause new sanctions right now. This is in response to high energy prices and concerns that Russia could halt gas exports from Europe. They also want to preserve ammunition for sanctions in case of a major war atrocity such as the use chemical weapons.
However, Gabrielius Landsbergis (Lithuanian Foreign Minister) warned against “sanctions fatigue” as his country borders Russia, Belarus and China.
We cannot stop imposing sanctions. He stated that we cannot stop offering support and assistance to Ukraine. Landsbergis stated that the EU should target oil as a major source for Russia’s revenue.
He stated that the EU should also consider what type of Russian attack would be considered a “redline” for more severe measures. He said that while the bombardment of civilians and cities doesn’t seem to be enough to convince some member countries, “somewhere there must be one.”
Landsbergis stated that the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia should have their defenses strengthened by partner nations.
He stated that “we need to see more equipment and, first of all, the actual defense plans (for Baltic countries) that would reflect the new strategic reality of the region.”
Borrell stated that the ministers approved a second tranche worth 500 million euros ($552million) to buy weapons and other aid for Ukraine.
