Manfred Weber, head of the European People’s Party (EPP), a leading faction in the European Parliament, has called for tougher European and US sanctions against Russia in the event of an escalation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine
“The time for metered sanctions in such a case will be over. A massive freezing of oligarchs’ accounts or cutting Russia off from SWIFT should be realistic options in the event of an escalation”, – Weber said.
He argues that Russia allegedly “continues on a course of dangerous provocations” and “the increased military presence around eastern Ukraine is a test of the West”.
“The response to this must be unambiguous and strong”, – Weber said.