Eu caves to putin as bloc ‘retreats’ on sanctions

The bloc intends to end Russian oil imports by the end of the year to free itself from Putin’s clutches and to damage his economy over the Ukraine war. Raking in billions from its energy

exports to the EU, the bloc was slammed for bankrolling Putin’s war in Ukraine and had been urged to cut the cash flow. After the pressure piled on, the EU did announce a number of

restrictions on Russian oil.  For instance, two months ago, the 27-member union announced a global ban on the provision of maritime insurance to vessels carrying Russian oil. Announced on

June 4, it will stop companies in the bloc from writing new insurance for any vessel carrying Russian oil. This includes the provision of technical assistance, brokering services or

financing and financial assistance, connected to the transport. This includes ship-to-ship transfers. But existing contracts remain valid until December 5, as which point the ban is set to

come into full force. The bloc also announced ban on imports of Russian seaborne oil into the EU in its sixth sanction package on Russia. It is set to come into effect later this year, but

involves exemptions to landlocked countries such as Hungary are exempt from the embargo as is oil that may transit through Russia but doesn’t originate there. But while the bloc appeared to

be taking effective action against Moscow, it now appears to be clawing back its on its punishments. Last month, the bloc amended its plan to allow European companies to deal with

Kremlin-controlled energy giants , like Rosneft, so its oil can be exported to third countries. Rosneft is Russia’s largest oil producer and a major exporter. The EU said it made the changes

“with a view to avoid any potential negative consequences for food and energy security around the world”. READ MORE: 'ALLOW FRACKING!' TRUSS UNVEILS MASTERPLAN TO TAKE CONTROL OF

ENERGY At a June summit, G-7 nations and the EU agreed to explore introducing a price cap on Russian oil. Under the plans, it would allow buyers to purchase Russian oil below an agreed

threshold so they could provide the services needed to move Russian oil. The plans are being pushed largely by the US, which warned that phasing out Russian oil could send prices

skyrocketing. US diplomat Victoria Nuland said: “We need to see the presence of Russian oil on the world market, otherwise the shortage of oil will lead to a new rise in prices.” But if a

deal is reached, the EU would be forced to amend its insurance ban, which is viewed as a vital part of any arrangement. Alastair Crooke, Director of the Beirut-based Conflicts Forum, wrote

in his analysis for Al Mayadeen: “The EU has begun its retreat: It has taken the first steps in unravelling energy and food sanctions on Russia. Will other steps follow?” He later added:

“Where will that ‘now exempted’ Russian oil transit, be headed? “Why, to the EU (largely). This is where the disingenuity becomes evident: India buys Russian oil, runs it through its

refineries, and sells ‘Indian refined products’ where? To the EU. Ditto for other cargos. Ditto for Saudi Arabia. Those vessels’ bills of lading won’t mention Russia as they arrive at their

EU destination. "In short, the EU is quietly facilitating the bypass of its own proclaimed ‘crushing’ sanctions regime.“