Italy and France oppose the proposal to ban entry for former Russian soldiers as part of the 21st EU sanctions package against russia. This is reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.
Details
"Italy and France are cautious about the European Union's proposal to ban entry into the bloc for former Russian military personnel," the publication writes.
It is noted that these restrictions are part of the proposed 21st sanctions package against russia in connection with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which member states are to discuss on Friday.
"Rome and Paris are not against banning entry for former Russian military personnel, but fear that the current proposal could open the way to a general entry ban for all Russians, sources said. Both countries also believe that a targeted entry ban is better implemented through visa policy rather than sanctions. These negotiations are part of broader EU efforts aimed at forcing Moscow to sit down at the negotiating table, as the bloc feels that with the improvement of the combat situation in Ukraine, an opportunity for this is emerging. In addition to new sanctions, leaders, together with the US, are resuming work on possible peace negotiations," the publication adds.
However, the latest sanctions package, which also aims to temporarily freeze the EU-established price cap on Russian oil, limit Moscow's energy revenues, and strike at banks, cryptocurrency operators, and tanker companies that help russia circumvent restrictions, has faced certain obstacles.
"Italy and France noted that the EU proposal to ban entry for former Russian combatants would leave member states the right to decide who fought and who did not, which, according to some sources, is a difficult task. Among other contentious issues is how to regulate the price cap on Russian oil given current high prices," the publication notes.
Recall
The European Commission has officially presented the 21st EU sanctions package against russia.