The sanctions package adopted by the EU against Russia after Moscow's recognition of two separatist entities in eastern Ukraine will come into force on Wednesday evening or Thursday, the French Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday 23 February. European affairs.
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“
There were very quick reactions from the Europeans, coordinated moreover with the Americans, the British.
These sanctions will be applied probably this evening or tomorrow at most
, ”said Clément Beaune on France Inter radio.
This first package of sanctions, which could "
go beyond
", includes targeted measures, in particular against Russian deputies who voted for recognition, and financial measures against Russian banks.
"
The Russian state, the Russian banks will no longer be able to finance themselves on the European markets
", underlined Clément Beaune.
Nord Stream II
Germany has also decided to suspend the authorization to operate the Nord Stream II gas pipeline.
"
She is suspended until further notice, that may mean never
," said the Secretary of State.
“
That the Germans, on a subject as important as the supply of gas (…) are able to take such a decision, which had never been mentioned, seriously considered, it is a very strong signal and gesture
“, he insisted.
Europe, partly dependent on Russian gas, also has "
enough stocks to get through the winter
", he assured.
To justify his decision to violate the territorial integrity of Ukraine, the Russian president delivered a speech that was sometimes "
delusional
" and full of "
historical lies
", he added.
"
There was an extremely violent analysis, a little delusional or paranoid, but unfortunately constructed on the part of Vladimir Putin who came back with a lot of historical lies about a kind of national, nationalist and aggressive narrative which is not completely new
“, noted Clément Beaune.
“
He has undoubtedly hardened his speech and his tone.
It is up to us to adapt and react without any weakness
,” he said.