Press Statement Frances Fitzgerald MEP
Wednesday May 4th 2022
Frances Fitzgerald MEP welcomes tough new sanctions on Russia
Dublin MEP Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed today’s announcement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of a sixth package of economic sanctions on Russia owing to its invasion of Ukraine.
Frances Fitzgerald said, “Today’s announcement demonstrates Europe’s ongoing commitment to, and support of, Ukraine. I had called in particular for tougher energy sanctions on Russia and I welcome further movement in this direction. We know that money used to buy energy from Russian state-owned companies is going directly into the funding of Putin’s war. This is why I am pleased to see a commitment to a full ban on Russian oil.
“Other elements of the package which I welcome include the listing of high-ranking Russian military officers who committed war crimes in Bucha and Mariupol, excluding Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, from SWIFT, and banning Russian state-owned broadcasters from Europe.
“The European market is vital for the Russian economy. If we continue to stand together against the invasion, we will show Putin the economic consequences of his actions and undermine his ability to finance his war. This shows there is strength in unity.
“MEPs are meeting this week in Strasbourg to discuss the impact of the war in Ukraine and particularly a resolution on the impact on women in the conflict. I will be speaking in a plenary debate on this subject later this week.”
ENDS
Contact:
Michael Ward michael.ward@europarl.europa.eu