Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal called on the European Union to impose tariffs on goods from Russia to finance the reconstruction of Ukraine. Politico reports this, writes UNN.
We need to impose tariffs on goods from Russia to compensate for the damages. This was discussed in various corridors and at various meetings, that various tariffs on Russian goods could finance the reconstruction of Ukraine
– said Michal.
Details
Last November, seven countries, including Estonia, called for imposing tariffs on Russian goods such as steel and fertilizers, but this initiative hit a dead end and was not included in the 20th sanctions package agreed by the EU this week.
Michal noted that even 210 billion euros in frozen Moscow assets stored in a financial depository in Brussels will not suffice to cover the gigantic bill.
The full financial costs of Russia’s four-year invasion of Ukraine, which led to the death or injury of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, the forced displacement of millions of people, and the complete destruction of cities, are difficult to calculate.
“They (Russia – ed.) must be held accountable. Because if they are not held accountable, it will happen again. We (Estonia – ed.) have a longer history of relations with Russia. We know what Russia is like. We gained independence not so long ago”, – added Michal.
Reminder
The European Union adopted the latest document that forms the basis of the EU loan to Ukraine worth 90 billion euros, and adopted the 20th package of sanctions against Russia in response to the escalation of the aggressive war against Ukraine.