Finland, Sweden Drive Stricter Economic Sanctions on Russia
The Nordic nations' foreign ministers revealed the hardline strategy during a security summit in Sweden on Monday, pressing for comprehensive trade restrictions that would extend far beyond existing penalties, a Finnish public broadcaster, confirmed.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen emphasized the sustained threat posed by Moscow during the joint briefing in Salen. "We believe that the Russian threat is a long-term one. That means we need to keep up the pressure regardless of a possible ceasefire or peace agreement," Valtonen told reporters.
The proposed measures include dramatically expanded customs tariffs covering all Russian goods and services entering European Union territory, alongside fresh export limitations targeting luxury products, according to Valtonen.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard highlighted energy revenues as Russia's economic lifeline for sustaining operations in Ukraine. "We are therefore proposing a complete ban on ships transporting oil, gas or coal from Russian ports to EU ports," she said.
Stenergard pointed to Russian fertilizer imports as another critical vulnerability, arguing that blocking these shipments would inflict a "€1.4 billion dent (over $1.6 billion)" on Russia's economy. The Swedish official confirmed both governments are working to incorporate these proposals into the EU's upcoming sanctions framework.
Both ministers underscored the imperative for European nations to sever economic ties with Russia, the broadcaster reported, proposing that domestic fertilizer production and diversified import partnerships could replace Russian supplies.
The announcements occurred at the three-day Rikskonferensen security conference, where policymakers, security experts, and international delegates convene to address evolving defense challenges.
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