Last week, the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament called for a new sanctions package in response to Russian threats, military mobilisation and plans to hold fake referendums in Ukrainian territory.

The Group called for further sanctions on individuals in Putin's regime, including those responsible for facilitating any illegal referendums, as well as an immediate, full embargo on Russian fossil fuels and, failing that, a cap on the price of Russian oil and new sanctions against certain Russian goods. The supply of defensive weapons to Ukraine should be increased and, in line with the demands of the European Parliament, Russia should be excluded from the G20 and other multilateral cooperative organisations.

Commenting on these demands, Petras Auštrevičius MEP (Liberal Movement, LT), European Parliament shadow rapporteur on Ukraine, said:

''Putin is prolonging his atrocious war of aggression and embarking on more and more desperate and appalling strategies to stay in power. His cynical decision of military mobilisation and the announcement of illegal referendums on Ukrainian territories must be rejected by the international community. Individuals involved in the planning and implementation of Putin's plan must face severe EU sanctions. EU unity in actions has to increase and support for the people of Ukraine redoubled.''

🚨 We condemn Russia's illegitimate referendums in #Ukraine.

A new EU sanctions package targeting Putin's regime is urgently needed!@petras_petras: ”EU unity in actions has to increase and support for the people of Ukraine redoubled!”🗞👇https://t.co/7ZyQ21LzHP

— Renew Europe (@RenewEurope) September 27, 2022

Photo credit: Philippe Buissin, European Parliament 2022.