The countries of the European Union should be prepared for the introduction of the United States of Secondary Trade Duties regarding Russia’s partners. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Kasytutis Budris before a meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels.
“The deadline that President Trump gave Putin – 50 days for the ceasefire, otherwise secondary sanctions will be introduced – this is a signal to Europe, because we still have member countries dependent on the import of oil and oil products from Russia,” he said.
On the eve of US President Donald Trump threatened Moscow by introducing new sanctions if steps were not taken to complete the conflict in Ukraine.
Against this, according to the head of the EU diplomacy, KAI Kallas, this week the ministers will discuss a new package of sanctions against Russia, including lowering the price ceiling for the export of Russian oil.
According to the BNS agency, the adoption of the 19th sanctions package has been delayed for several weeks due to disagreements from a number of EU countries. In particular, Slovakia achieves a delay on the issue of refusing Russian gas, and Malt is opposed to proposals for adjusting the oil ceiling.
Bratislava insists on assessing the consequences of the “Repowereu” plan – a program to refuse fossil fuel from the Russian Federation.
Budris emphasized that in the current conditions the European Union cannot afford further delay.
“We must save Slovakia from this situation and as soon as possible to encourage all countries to abandon imports. This shows the weakness of the EU, the exaggerated egoism of individual states and their willingness to use any situations in our own interests,” he said.
According to the minister, Trump’s threats to introduce secondary sanctions against buyers of Russian oil mean that the costs of continuing trade with the head of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry expressed the hope that the sanctions will nevertheless be agreed on Wednesday.
“But in fact, this is not at all about the sanctions, but about the desire of Slovakia to knock out more favorable conditions. In fact, to continue to trade with Russia. This is difficult to understand, especially considering the presence of alternatives,” he said.
Budris also criticized the approach of individual EU member states, regularly blocking initiatives through foreign policy. “The principle of solidarity is systematically violated. Today, more clarity and speed comes from the USA than from Europe,” the minister said, adding that, despite criticism of Washington, “Trump acts faster.”
According to him, the European Union should “look at itself in the mirror before criticizing the actions of the United States.” He also confirmed that the block is close to the approval of a mechanism providing for a decrease in the ceiling of prices for Russian oil.