Imposing a full embargo on Russian energy resources could lead to a weakening of the European Union’s economy, which in turn may reduce financial support for Ukraine.
This opinion was expressed by Yehor Cherniev, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, during the Dolhov Blog program on Ukrinform’s YouTube channel.
“Sanctions always work both ways — they affect those they target and those who impose them, because they disrupt trade balances between countries,” he noted.
Cherniev stated that he would prefer all sanctions against Russia to be implemented immediately. He cited the post–World War II era as an example, when embargoes were imposed on oil and other natural resources. However, he acknowledged that Europe is gradually introducing sanctions to avoid harming its own economy, given its dependence on Russian energy.
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“Europe is gradually phasing out Russian energy and other minerals to avoid damaging its economy. If the EU economy takes a hit, it will become weaker and reduce the volume of aid to Ukraine,” the deputy committee chairman emphasized.
He also expressed concern that over four years of war, European partners have provided Ukraine with less financial assistance than they have spent on purchasing energy resources from Russia — approximately EUR 200 billion.
“These are the realities, because in order to help us, economies must function and generate income, including from Russian resources,” the parliamentarian added.
At the same time, he reminded that the European Union has adopted a decision to fully abandon Russian energy resources by 2026.
Cherniev considers this a major geopolitical defeat for the Kremlin, and especially for Vladimir Putin.
As reported by Ukrinform, on October 22, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, urging Moscow to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.