US, Europe plan more Russia sanctions

April 06, 2022 00:00:00

Children play at the playground near an apartment building damaged during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the southern port city of Mariupol on Monday — Reuters

NEW YORK, Apr 05 (Reuters/ AP/AFP): The United States and Europe were planning new sanctions on Tuesday to punish Moscow over civilian killings in Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelensky warned more deaths were likely to be uncovered in areas seized from Russian invaders.

Russian forces withdrew from towns north of the capital Kyiv last week as it turns its assault to Ukraine's south and east. Ukrainian troops recaptured towns devastated by nearly six weeks of war, including Bucha, where dead civilians lined the streets.

Searing images of a mass grave in Bucha and the bound bodies of people shot at close range drew an international outcry on Monday.

US President Joe Biden called for a war crimes trial against Russia's President Vladimir Putin and the United States will ask the UN General Assembly to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council.

France pushing for energy sanctions against Russia

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Tuesday that there is a "total determination" from all 27 European Union countries for sanctions against Russia that could target oil and coal over evidence its troops deliberately killed Ukrainian civilians.

Europe's dependence on Russian oil, gas and coal means finding unanimity on energy measures is a tall order, but the reports of the killings outside Kyiv have increased pressure for tougher EU sanctions.

Europe expulsions of diplomats short-sighted move: Russia

The Kremlin on Tuesday called mass expulsions of Russian diplomats by a number of European countries a "short-sighted move" that will only complicate communication.

"Narrowing down opportunities for diplomatic communication in such an unprecedentedly difficult crisis environment is a short-sighted move that will further complicate our communication, which is necessary to find a solution," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"And this will inevitably lead to retaliatory steps," he added.

Italy, Denmark and Sweden on Tuesday joined EU allies in expelling Russian diplomats over the war in Ukraine, with more than 120 sent packing in the last 48 hours.