More Sanctions Against Russia ‘On Their Way’ After Bucha Massacre Allegations—Here’s What To Watch For

Topline

The European Union is readying a set of additional sanctions against Russia which may include curbs on oil and gas imports, the Financial Times reports, a move that comes amid growing outrage over the alleged massacre of civilians by Russian troops in Bucha, Ukraine.

Key Facts

According to the Financial Times, a meeting of EU ambassadors is set to take place on Wednesday where they will discuss fresh sanctions.

Some of the measures on the table for the regional bloc included more sanctions targeting Russian individuals, more restrictions on exports to Russia and a ban on Russian ships using EU’s ports.

Another key measure—one that has been a persistent Ukrainian demand—includes sanctions targeting Russian exports of coal, oil and gas.

After initial reluctance, Germany on Sunday indicated that it would consider halting import of Russian oil and gas after reports of Russian atrocities against civilians in Bucha.

In Italy—another EU country heavily reliant on gas—Enrico Letta, former prime minister and current leader of the Democratic Party that supports Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s national unity government, called for a “full oil and gas Russia embargo.”

Crucial Quote

Charles Michel, president of the European Council, on Sunday tweeted: “Shocked by haunting images of atrocities committed by Russian army in Kyiv liberated region. EU is assisting Ukraine & NGO’s in gathering of necessary evidence for pursuit in international courts. Further EU sanctions & support are on their way.”

What To Watch For

The Biden administration is also reportedly discussing additional sanctions against Russia as a response to the reports emerging from Bucha. While the exact nature of these sanctions are unclear, the Washington Post reports that the White House may now target countries that continue to trade with Russia. Other potential sanction targets for U.S. sanctions including Russia’s mining, transport sectors along with currently untouched parts of Russia’s financial sector.

Tangent

Despite German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisting that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his supporters “will feel the consequences” of Russia’s alleged actions in Bucha, some questions have been raised about Berlin’s support for more sanctions. In a press conference on Monday, Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki singled out Germany as the “main roadblock” to imposing tougher sanctions against Russia, with elaborating further.

Key Background

Ukrainian officials on Sunday said they have discovered the bodies of at least 410 dead civilians in the suburbs outside Kyiv since Russian soldiers were forced to withdraw from the region last week. Photos published by the Associated Press paint a gruesome picture, as they show the corpses of multiple civilians scattered around Bucha, some of them being buried in mass graves and at least two people who appear to have been shot with their hands tied behind their backs. The harrowing images have prompted global outrage and calls for additional sanctions against Russia as it prepares to launch a fresh offensive in eastern Ukraine.

Further Reading

EU prepares more sanctions against Russia after apparent atrocities near Kyiv (Financial Times)

World Leaders Condemn Alleged Civilian Massacre By Russian Forces In Bucha (Forbes)