European Commissioner Reynders warned Russia about “several options for sanctions” due to the recognition of the DPR and LPR

The European Commission has developed several options for sanctions against Russia in connection with Moscow’s decision to recognize the independence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DNR and LNR). European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders spoke about this today in an interview with the RTBF TV channel.

According to him, the EU can introduce two types of sanctions – individual (against specific individuals or companies) and economic (including a ban on the import of goods and energy resources). As Reynders pointed out, Russia could also be deprived of access to financial services, but this “would be a very difficult decision” that would lead to “severing Russia’s economic ties with the world,” Gazeta.Ru reports.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg pointed out, citing a knowledgeable diplomat, that the proposals of the European Commission on sanctions against the Russian Federation may include a limited list of individuals and organizations, mining and a ban on trade with the LPR and DPR, RIA Novosti notes.

At the same time, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that the sanctions policy of partners against the Russian Federation is very important for Kiev after the decision to recognize the DPR and LPR.

In turn, Andrei Kortunov, Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), in an interview with Lenta.ru, did not rule out that Western countries would impose the most severe sanctions against Russia if they regarded the recognition of the self-proclaimed republics as independent states as aggression. And these measures can be taken in relation to Russian backbone enterprises and banks.

Recall that on February 21, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the republics of Donbass. He also instructed the Russian military to ensure the maintenance of peace on the territory of the DNR and LNR.

Earlier, the State Duma adopted and submitted to the Kremlin an appeal to the President of the Russian Federation with a call to recognize the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. And on February 21, the heads of the DPR and LPR Denis Pushilin and Leonid Pasechnik turned to the Russian leader with a request to recognize the independence of the people’s republics.

Many Western leaders condemned Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of the Donbass republics, calling for these actions to be reversed and threatening harsh sanctions.

And today, the State Duma has ratified the treaties of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between Russia and the “people’s republics” of Donbass – the DPR and the LPR. The document, in particular, makes it possible to create Russian military bases in these territories.