EU must agree ambitious new sanctions package in response to Russia's fake referendums in Ukraine

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

We call for further sanctions on individuals in Putin's regime, including those responsible for facilitating any illegal referendums. We repeat out call for 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 today, Renew Europe MEP, Petras Auštrevičius (Lithuanian Liberal Movement), shadow rapporteur on Ukraine, said:

''Putin is to prolong his atrocious war of aggression and embark on more and more desperate and appalling strategies to stay in power. His cynical decision on 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.''