According to the government spokesman, the United States, France, Canada, Italy, Great Britain, the European Commission and Germany have decided to exclude all Russian banks that are already sanctioned by the international community and, if necessary, other Russian banks from the international payment service system Swift .
“The aim is to cut off these institutions from international financial flows, which will massively restrict their global activities,” Hebestreit explained.
Western allies also decided to further restrict the Central Bank of Russia’s ability to engage in international financial transactions to support the Russian ruble.
In addition, the allies agreed to sanctions against individuals and entities in Russia and elsewhere who support the war against Ukraine, Hebestreit said.
“In particular, the opportunity for wealthy Russians to obtain a so-called golden passport and thus European citizenship for themselves and their family members should be ended,” said the government spokesman.
The western states agreed on a working group with representatives from the USA and the European Union to ensure the speedy implementation of the sanctions and to freeze the assets of sanctioned individuals, their families and companies.
“The countries emphasized their willingness to take further measures if Russia does not end its attack against Ukraine and thus against the European peace order,” Hebestreit said in a press release.
By Andrea Thomas
BERLIN (Dow Jones)
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