Embargoes

Greece might seek exclusion of its shipping companies from the embargo

EU foreign ministers are discussing a sixth package of sanctions against Russia in Luxembourg today, including an embargo on oil and gas imports. Bulgaria is represented by Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska.

In a resolution passed by 513 votes to 22, with 19 abstentions, MEPs called for additional sanctions, including an "immediate full embargo on imports of oil, coal, nuclear fuel and gas originating in Russia".

Beyond strong words and wide-ranging sanctions against Russia, Europe must recommit itself to the 'Core Values' it has strayed from, in Ukraine, the Western Balkans and elsewhere.

The European Union will launch a total economic war against Russia. This was stated by the Minister of Finance of France Bruno Le Maire in an interview with France Info radio.

"We will launch a total economic and financial war against Russia," the minister said. "The Russian people will bear the consequences."

European leaders adopted a package of sanctions against Russia in 5 key areas - financial, energy, transport, export controls, a ban on financial exports and visa policy. This was said after the meeting, which lasted until late at night, said the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Russia promised today a "strong and painful" response to US sanctions announced after Moscow recognized the independence of the two self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine, AFP reported.

The United Kingdom will announce today the first series of economic sanctions that will hit Russia very hard. This was stated by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after a crisis meeting held at 10 Downing Street, world agencies reported.

More sanctions will follow in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, he warned.

Cuba yesterday marked 60 years under a U.S. economic blockade that has deeply affected the communist nation's fortunes and shows no signs of being lifted.

Decreed by U.S. president John F. Kennedy on February 3, 1962, the embargo on all bilateral trade came into effect four days later.

The initial decree was passed in 2001, as well as the criteria for imposing US sanctions, in order to solve challenges, such as corruption and other moves that obstruct key institutions and international agreements, as announced by the White House last night.