DISINFO: Europe’s anti-Russian sanctions slapped under US pressure

This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets claiming that the EU is not independent in its policies. A well known narrative of "Lost Sovereignty".

In reality, the European Union and some separate European nations have imposed sanctions on Russia because of Moscow’s unprovoked invasion against Ukraine that started on 24 February 2022. These measures were taken in full accordance with international and European law. The European Commission adopted a joint proposal for a new package of restrictive measures on 15 June 2022 to maintain and strengthen the effectiveness of the EU's six wide-ranging packages of sanctions against Russia. It also further aligns the EU's sanctions with those of our allies and partners, in particular in the G7.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in connection with this proposal that “Moscow must continue to pay a high price for its aggression.” High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said the EU's sanctions were “tough and hard-hitting” and that they would continue “to target those close to Putin and the Kremlin.”

This aggression has been condemned by the United Nations and other international bodies. Sanctions were initially imposed on Russia in 2014, in the wake of its illegal annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. The US has also imposed its sanctions on Russia, which shows that Western nations are acting in one direction.

Finally, with regard to the comment about banning Russians from entering Europe, a decision to ban Schengen visas for Russian citizens has not been made yet. It will be a topic of discussion at a meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Prague at the end of August 2022. See similar case here.

Read more disinformation cases about the EU’s anti-Russian sanctions.