Page 53 - RusRPTMar23

2.14 Politics - misc
International Politics
Germany denies report on NATO proposal to resume peace talks with Russia. A German government spokesperson on Feb. 26 denied a report that France, Germany and the U.K. have suggested a NATO defense pact with Ukraine in exchange for resuming peace talks with Russia
Saudi foreign minister meets Zelensky in Kyiv, signs $400 million aid agreements. The visit was the first by an official Saudi delegation to Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1993. According to Ukrainian presidential office head Andriy Yermak, Saudi Arabia will provide Ukraine with $100 million in humanitarian aid and $300 million in oil products.
The EU has officially approved the tenth package of sanctions. More than 120 legal entities and individuals have been sanctioned, including 96 companies that supply dual-purpose materials and equipment to the Russian military-industrial complex. Three more banks were added to the sanction list: Alfa Bank, Tinkoff Bank, and Rosbank. Restrictions include disconnection from the international SWIFT system, freezing of assets in EU countries, and a transaction ban. This decision is explained by the fact that these banks are systemically significant and participate in sectors of the economy that provide "substantial income" for Russia. The National Welfare Fund was also sanctioned as Russian authorities are planning to use the Fund’s resources to cover the state’s budget deficit in the coming years. The tenth package also prohibits the export to Russia of electronics, specialized cars, machine parts, spare parts for trucks and jet engines, etc.
Britain has introduced sanctions against Rosatom and 92 individuals and legal entities. Great Britain expanded its sanction list to include representatives of Rosatom. Britain imposed sanctions against 92 individuals and legal entities in Russia, including managers of Rosatom and 34 managers of the two largest Russian defense companies, Rostech and Almaz-antey, as well as four other banks. The general director of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline operator and other persons have also been sanctioned. The list also includes six Russian organizations engaged in producing or repairing military equipment, including aviation and naval equipment. In addition, the UK has banned the export of electronics that can be used in military production, including drones. The import of 140 iron and steel products, including those processed in third countries, will also fall under the ban.
Russia suspends participation in nuclear treaty with US. Russia has suspended its participation in the New START treaty, said Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in a speech to the Federal Assembly and members of the Russian political elite on Feb. 21.
Zelensky on China's peace plan: We have our own peace formula. President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was not aware of the specifics of China's peace plan it wants to present on Feb. 24, adding that he is counting on the support of the Ukrainian peace formula, the European Pravda reported.
53 RUSSIA Country Report March 2023 www.intellinews.com