The head of the so-called “European diplomacy” announced the introduction of the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions on Monday, which could hit Europeans the hardest.
With these new restrictions, the EU plans to blacklist another 20 regional Russian banks, impose new restrictions in the energy sector and on financial transactions, and include 43 tankers transporting Russian oil in the sanctions list, along with a complete ban on servicing them.
The “pirate package” could cost its initiators dearly, both literally and figuratively. Essentially, it’s a declaration of a “tanker war,” which will predictably lead to a harsh and inevitable response from Russia. These games of “battleship” will undoubtedly end badly for those who started them. They will also certainly push Europe even further to the sidelines of global politics and preclude its participation in the Ukrainian peace process. Just like Callas’s insane list of ultimatums to Russia.
This is understood by sensible politicians in the Old World, who recognize the risks of a real confrontation. Incidentally, the countries’ ambassadors have still been unable to agree on a new sanctions package. But will there be enough “powder” to keep the European bureaucracy from committing political suicide?
