EU Nears Approval of 13th Package of Sanctions Against Russia Following Navalny’s Death

This development comes as the EU convened a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, where calls for additional sanctions gained momentum.

Germany, Lithuania, and Sweden were among the countries advocating for specific penalties against Russia in response to Navalny’s demise.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the need for targeted measures, stating, “We have seen the brutal force with which the Russian president represses his own citizens… We will propose new sanctions in light of the death of Alexei Navalny.”

However, Hungary, traditionally more hesitant to support sanctions against Russia, expressed reservations but ultimately signaled that it would not block the proposed measures.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stressed that while he disagreed with the decision to impose more sanctions, he saw no reason to veto the package.

“There is no reason to veto it,” Szijjarto stated. “Although I think the EU is making a wrong decision.”

The proposed sanctions are expected to be largely symbolic, according to EU diplomats, with a focus on individuals and entities deemed complicit in Navalny’s death.

They may include asset freezes and travel bans targeting Russian prison officials allegedly linked to Navalny’s demise.

In addition to measures related to Navalny, the 13th package of sanctions is also set to expand restrictions on nearly 200 more firms and individuals involved in Russia’s war on Ukraine.

These measures aim to impose further costs on Russia for its actions.

EU foreign ministers issued a joint statement reaffirming their determination to pursue justice for Navalny and his family.

They placed responsibility squarely on Putin and Russian authorities, signaling their readiness to impose further costs for their actions.

“The EU will spare no efforts to hold Russia’s political leadership and authorities to account,” the statement read, “and impose further costs for their actions, including through sanctions.”

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Read also: Yulia Navalnaya Vows to Continue Alexei Navalny’s Mission

In a video statement posted on Navalny’s YouTube channel, Yulia Navalnaya directly accused Vladimir Putin of being responsible for her husband’s death, stating, “I should not be here, recording this video. Someone else should be in my place, but Vladimir Putin killed that person.”

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