Draghi asks the EU that the possible sanctions against Russia do not include energy
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said this Friday that his government has asked the European Union that any sanctions imposed on Russia, if an invasion of Ukraine takes place, be concentrated “in certain sectors, not including energy “, on which his country depends heavily.
“Italy is totally aligned with the position of other countries, we are discussing the sanctions within the EU and we have made our point of view known. We believe that they should concentrate on certain sectors, not including energy,” Draghi said in a press conference after the holding of a Council of Ministers.
“All the sanctions that indirectly impact the energy market have a greater impact on the country that imports the most gas. And Italy only has gas, it does not have nuclear and coal, that is why it is more exposed,” he added.
The former president of the European Central Bank has underlined that his Cabinet is studying “how Italy can continue to supply itself from other sources if it no longer has those from Russia” and has recognized that the Kremlin “has mentioned the possibility of guaranteeing the supply of gas to Italy and increase it if necessary.
“This will have to be seen, within the framework of the commitments with the other allies. I appreciate the offer, but it is still an issue that we have to study,” he commented.
Draghi has indicated that the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has requested a meeting between the two, which does not yet have a date but “will be shortly”.
Finally, he reiterated the importance of “taking a firm stand against a [eventual] attack in Ukraine”, but has admitted that it would be ideal for Ukraine and Russia to resolve their conflict through dialogue. (Efe)
Photo: ANDREAS SOLARO / AFP
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