Discussions in the EU regarding further sanctions on Russia over the military operation in Ukraine so far do not include a ban on Russian gas, European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni has revealed.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Stampa published on Saturday, Gentiloni said that while no punitive measures were off the table for the European Commission, “today we are not talking about a gas blockade.”
He noted that Brussels is seeking to strike the right balance between hurting Russia’s economy as much as possible and minimizing the secondary effects on European economies. Gentiloni acknowledged that, despite the EU’s efforts, the sanctions have taken a toll on Europe as well. Nevertheless, he believes the bloc had no other choice but to respond to Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine “with economic weapons.”
The commissioner cautioned, however, against believing the conflict can be won solely through sanctions.