International sanctions during the Ukrainian crisis

The United States and the European Union are almost ready with a comprehensive package of sanctions that Russia will impose if it invades Ukraine, Reuters reported, citing US and European official sources.

The United States is threatening Russia with sanctions on at least two tracks, for Britain, all options are on the table, and a key concern in NATO is Europe's energy security.

The United States and Britain on Sunday flagged new and "devastating" economic sanctions against Russia, as Washington and its NATO allies step up efforts to deter any invasion of Ukraine.

The move came as a response to EU sanctions against Russia

Brussels – EU foreign ministers were clear as they met in Brussels on Monday that any aggresion by Russia against Ukraine will have political consequences and a high economic cost, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, while Slovenian FM Anže Logar added that there was a general awareness of the gravity of the situation.

Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia are not likely to be affected economically by a ban on food imports imposed by Belarus, which starts on January 1.

Although not part of the EU, they have joined recent increased EU and Western sanctions on Belarus, imposed over the migrant crisis at the Polish border, for which Minsk is blamed.

The United States and Germany on July 21 announced a deal to allow the completion of a controversial Russian gas pipeline to Europe without the imposition of further U.S. sanctions. The agreement aims to stanch fears about European dependence on Russian energy, but it was immediately assailed by critics who said it doesn't go far enough.

The European Union sees this as illegal and a violation of international law.
Restrictive measures currently in place include imports of EU products originating in Crimea or Sevastopol, as well as infrastructure or financial investments and tourist services in Crimea or Sevastopol.

The European Union prolonged for another year a sanctions framework for restrictive measures on persons or entities, including from Russia, whom Brussels deems as responsible for cyber-attacks, the Council of the EU said.

Russia has placed entry bans on eight officials from EU states, including members of the European Parliament and the European Commission. The move comes after the EU hit Russian officials with sanctions in March.