Russia sanctions: will tough new measures hurt Putin?
Cameron urges EU to punish Russia for links to separatists – but sanctions will hurt Europe too

European foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels today to discuss implementing wider sanctions against Russia. The country has faced widespread international condemnation amid accusations that flight MH17 was shot down by Moscow-backed Russian separatists in Donetsk.
What are the sanctions likely to be?
The EU will expand the list of people and businesses who will face sanctions. The measures are expected to target individuals who "materially or financially" support actions that "undermine or threaten Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence", the BBC reports.
Actions that could be taken include asset freezes and travel bans. The extended list is expected to be released by the end of July.
"Phase three" sanctions would go even further and target entire sectors of the Russian economy, especially energy and finance. Such broad economic sanctions would need to be approved by heads of state and cannot be passed at today's meeting. But several EU countries are hoping to "to lay the groundwork for such an escalation", the Financial Times reports.
Who is in favour?
David Cameron has called for "hard-hitting" sanctions against Russia. Cameron is supported by Poland and several Baltic states in his call for stronger action.
Cameron told parliament that "Russia cannot expect to continue enjoying access to European markets, European capital, European knowledge and technical expertise while she fuels conflict in one of Europe’s neighbours", the FT reports.
The US has already implemented tough sanctions against Vladimir Putin's inner circle and Barack Obama said Russia's actions should serve as a "wake-up call for Europe".
Who is opposed?
Cameron said there was a "reluctance" from certain EU leaders to push for more decisive action, mentioning France's valuable military trade with Russia. A French official told the FT that France would continue to honour it contracts with Russia, despite Cameron's calls.
Germany also has strong export links with Russia and is a large importer of the country's oil and gas. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged "restraint" in implementing sanctions. The Netherlands and Italy are also heavily reliant on Russian gas.
Will they work? What could the consequences be?
Leaders hope that by implementing economic sanctions, Russia will be forced to de-escalate the fighting in eastern Ukraine by ending its active military and financial support of Russian separatist rebels in the area.
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev insisted sanctions would be ineffective and would simply "fuel anti-Western and anti-European sentiment in Russia". Some European governments are wary of potential retaliation from Moscow, Reuters reports.
The BBC's Europe editor Gavin Hewitt warns that targeting Russia's energy exports countries could destabilise the eurozone's fragile recovery.
-
The allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria
The Explainer West African nation has denied claims from US senator and broadcaster
-
The best sherries to try this autumn
The Week Recommends The warming tipple from sunny Spain is an underrated cold-weather staple
-
London’s best breakfasts and brunches
The Week Recommends However you like your eggs in the morning, these memorable restaurants have you covered
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime minister
In the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Can Gaza momentum help end the war in Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Zelenskyy’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles hints at ‘warming relations’ between Ukraine and US
-
Remaking the military: Pete Hegseth’s war on diversity and ‘fat generals’
Talking Point The US Secretary of War addressed military members on ‘warrior ethos’
-
US tipped to help Kyiv strike Russian energy sites
Speed Read Trump has approved providing Ukraine with intelligence for missile strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Moldova gives decisive win to pro-EU party
Speed Read The country is now on track to join the European Union within five years
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
Russia slams Kyiv, hits government building
Speed Read This was Moscow's largest aerial assault since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022