The EU and Japan are against a complete ban on exports to Russia – mass media

The EU and Japan opposed the US proposal to ban the Group of Seven (G7) countries from all exports to Russia as part of negotiations on the eve of the summit of the leaders of the states.

The Financial Times found out about this, as “European Truth” writes.

A statement by G7 leaders is being prepared ahead of next month’s meeting in Hiroshima, which includes a pledge to replace the current regime of sectoral sanctions against Russia with a blanket ban on exports, with a few exceptions. This is evidenced by the documents reviewed by the Financial Times.

A total export ban would include exemptions for agricultural, medical and other products.

According to the two officials, the proposal was made by the United States amid frustration with the current sanctions system, which is riddled with loopholes that allow Russia to continue importing Western technology.

But the representatives of Japan and the EU countries at the preparatory meeting last week suggested that such a step would not be implemented.

“From our point of view, this is simply impossible,” said one of the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The EU has agreed to a 10-pack of sanctions against Russia from February 2022, but only after weeks of wrangling among member states. Some have secured exemptions and exemptions for their industries by threatening to veto the restrictions.

Replacing the current sanctions regime with a blanket ban on exports, with exceptions, could reignite heated debate and potentially weaken current measures, officials said.

The White House National Security Council declined to comment on the talks with G7 partners, but said the US “will continue to look for ways to hold Russia accountable.”

Combating sanctions evasion and circumvention by third countries is the main goal of the US, UK, EU and other allies, which are increasing pressure on states such as Turkey, the UAE and Central Asian countries, which have increased trade volumes with Russia after the introduction of Western sanctions.

G7 leaders will gather in Hiroshima on May 19 for a three-day summit, which will be devoted to the consequences of the war in Russia against Ukraine, economic security, green investment and the Indo-Pacific region.

Meanwhile, according to the media, the European Union intends to propose a ban on the transit of many goods through Russia in to the 11th package of sanctions, which is currently being prepared in Brussels.