The European Union is expected to approve another round of sanctions against Russia on Monday, targeting 150 additional entities and 50 banks, France’s Minister for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, has announced.
Haddad disclosed the planned measures during an interview with French television channel LCI on Thursday, saying France had proposed most of the entities included in the latest sanctions package.
He said the EU would continue applying economic pressure on Moscow while maintaining its support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
EU Sanctions to Target Russian Banks and Entities
According to Haddad, the proposed sanctions will cover 150 additional entities and 50 banks as part of efforts to restrict Russia’s economic activities and financial operations.
France reportedly proposed the bulk of the entities listed for inclusion in the new measures.
The planned restrictions form part of the EU’s broader strategy to increase economic pressure on Russia over its continued war against Ukraine.
France Condemns Russia’s Entry Ban on Journalists and Lawmakers
Haddad also criticised Moscow’s decision to ban four French nationals from entering Russia.
Those affected include Le Monde journalist Ariane Chemin, freelance journalist and former Moscow correspondent Paul Gogo, and French lawmakers Sacha Houlie and Arthur Delaporte.
Describing the decision as an act of intimidation, Haddad said France would not be deterred by the restrictions. He defended the journalists’ professional activities and highlighted the lawmakers’ involvement in efforts to combat foreign interference.
France Links Russian Ban to Expulsion of RT France Former Chief
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also criticised Russia’s decision, suggesting it was connected to France’s July expulsion of Xenia Fedorova, a former head of RT France.
In a statement on X, Barrot said Moscow’s presentation of the entry ban as retaliation for Fedorova’s expulsion confirmed her alleged links to Russian authorities.
Fedorova had become a prominent figure on French rolling news channel CNews and associated media outlets Europe 1 and JDNews, which belong to conservative businessman Vincent Bollore.
French authorities accused her of spreading Russian misinformation, allegations that contributed to her expulsion.
The latest developments highlight continuing tensions between France and Russia over the war in Ukraine, media activities and alleged foreign interference.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
