The EU can’t survive without cooperating with Russia and the BRICS states, Russian Federation Council Deputy Speaker Konstantin Kosachev said in an interview with RT on Saturday. Russia, however, needs the EU far less so.
The bloc has essentially trapped itself with its sanctions. Kosachev noted that the sanctions imposed on Russia create a significant barrier to any real cooperation with the EU.
The bloc has imposed 14 rounds of sanctions against Russia following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
These measures have targeted Russia’s central bank reserves held abroad, major banks, various companies, entrepreneurs, politicians, and officials, along with bans on numerous imports and exports.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned the sanctions as illegitimate, while President Vladimir Putin has described them as irrational.
Kosachev pointed out that lifting these sanctions would require the unanimous approval of EU states, and that even if a majority supports removing them, dissent by just a few countries could derail such an initiative.
He concluded that the EU has effectively trapped itself, which does not benefit its interests. Earlier this month, Putin stated that Western efforts to isolate Russia economically and politically have ultimately failed.
It is in a trap. And this does not work to the advantage of the European Union. While he believes Russia will continue to thrive independent of the EU, he asserted that the EU’s survival hinges on its collaboration with Russia and other BRICS nations.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko has claimed the EU’s total losses from sanctions imposed on Russia and restrictions on its economic activity are believed to be around $1.5 trillion, according to the most conservative estimates.
Some EU nations contend that the sanctions have hurt the bloc more than Russia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban cautioned on Friday that the EU’s sanctions regime should be reviewed, or else it risks destroying the European economy.
Meanwhile, the well-attended annual BRICS summit that was held in October in Kazan, the first since the group’s expansion to include Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighted that Russia remains globally connected despite Western sanctions.
Delegations from 35 countries participated in the event.
More than 30 nations, including NATO member Türkiye, have expressed interest in joining the group. BRICS now accounts for an estimated 37.3% of global GDP versus 14.5% for the EU.
RT. com / ABC Flash Point News 2024.
The conflict was created – in 2014 – by the CIA…!! It’s aim – was to install an anti-Russian Government in order to try and move NATO into Ukraine and attack and destroy Russia…!! The BONUS – for the CIA – is that they have enlisted the help (through sanctions) of Europe – to also destroy the EU and act as the defibrillator that America NEEDED – in order to resuscitate itself…!!
Started back in 1919 when colonial powers violently imposed communism on Russia.
It is quite astounding the amount of leverage Russia and an Eastern coalition could have over the Ukraine matter — alarming, even. Yet, for reasons uncertain, the matter is still unresolved. Uncle Sam’s sticky fingers should be enough to coagulate the coalition. Perhaps, it awaits Trump’s suggestions, before asserting the posture.