The European Union is concerned that third countries may be helping Russia to circumvent sanctions. EU International Special Representative for Sanctions Implementation David O'Sullivan said that the EU intends to ensure through dialogue that Russia does not have the opportunity to circumvent the sanctions, he told the Belgian TV channel LN24.
According to O'Sullivan, the 10th package of sanctions against Russia may be due before March, but now it is important to make sure that these restrictions are respected and in effect.
“My task is to discuss with third countries, our neighbors and other states, whether there are opportunities to circumvent these sanctions,” the politician said.
According to him, a "suspicious" increase in EU exports to states that are increasing exports to Russia is recorded. O'Sullivan noted that this may indicate that something is wrong. As examples, he pointed to Serbia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, as well as the United Arab Emirates, where he will travel next week.
“The point is not to criticize these countries, but to discuss emerging issues with them. Unlike our allies, these countries have chosen not to join the sanctions, but they have also said they do not want to help circumvent the sanctions. We take them at their word, see what happens, what measures are likely to be taken,” O'Sullivan said, recalling that circumventing sanctions is a criminal offense.
