Claims by Moscow’s UK ambassador that Sanctions against Russia fell short in achieving goals
According to the Russian ambassador, the sanctions imposed on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine have not achieved the desired outcomes, as reported by Sky News.
Speaking to Sky News, Andrei Kelin highlighted significant loopholes in the sanctions framework, which have allowed British companies to support the flow of Russian gas legally, leading to substantial revenues for the Kremlin’s military operations.
Despite escalating tensions, he defended the ongoing trade with Europe, stating that “business is merely business.”
In an interview with The World With Yalda Hakim program, Mr. Kelin expressed his views on the ineffectiveness of the sanctions, stating that their primary objectives were to disrupt the lives of Russians, damage the Russian economy, and bring about political changes, which, according to him, have not materialized.
Europe’s Continued Reliance on Russian Gas
Despite strained relations, Europe still relies on Russia for approximately 15% of its natural gas, resulting in transactions worth around €10bn (£8.5bn) since 2022.
Reports indicate that the European Union has recently imposed sanctions on Russian gas for the first time, but there are concerns that more stringent measures could have been taken. Additionally, issues persist with Russian oil seeping into the UK market despite efforts to curb it.
Mr. Kelin downplayed the significance of trade with Russia, stressing that it forms only a small part of the country’s vast budget. He emphasized that Russia’s economic independence and lack of ideological motives set it apart from Europe’s approach to business transactions.
Regarding the supply of weapons to Ukraine by Western nations, including Britain, Mr. Kelin expressed concerns, arguing that such actions prolong the conflict and potentially worsen the situation for Kyiv in the long run.
