The G7 countries want to further restrict trade with Russia. The plans for this are specifically about routes that can be used to circumvent sanctions. “They really want to plug that hole in trade,” said foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg.

A general import and export ban with Russia is unlikely, as the European Union does not support this. Of the G7 countries, Germany, France and Italy are also members of the EU. “The European Union prefers to work with a list of persons, companies and products that are not allowed into Russia or cannot be imported from Russia,” said Hammelburg. “Then you see a little bit that Europe, more than America, aims for negotiation and not just confrontation.”

Read also | The EU wants blacklisted Chinese companies to trade with Russia

Seat heating

The proverbial hole that has to be closed with measure, however, is a very important one. “That’s a big hole and you read great stories about it.” Like the cars in Dubai which are equipped with heated seats so they can be exported to Russia. “This is one example of parallel imports via a route that no one had thought of,” says Hammelburg.

A similar route passes through Türkiye and India. ‘A country that doesn’t care about what we think is important. And also do not want to follow the sanctions.’

Read also | European aid to Ukraine ‘puts pressure on Americans too’

Zelensky tour ‘no surprise’

The President of Ukraine is now touring Europe. After visiting Italy, Germany and France this weekend, Zelensky is now in Britain for talks with Prime Minister Sunak.

As far as Hammelburg was concerned, the visit came as no surprise. “He wasn’t happy with the drop in attention. Speeches with video links no longer work, so he now only visits friendly and allied countries.’ He always has the same message. ‘Keep supporting us. Financially, but especially materially,’ said Hamnmelburg.

The UK has now confirmed that it will indeed be delivering long-range missiles. “That’s what Zelensky came for, he brought a grocery list.” French President Macron made a similar commitment, which also sparked discussions. The question is whether the French Rafale type fighter will be sent to Ukraine.

Read also | Zelensky goes on European tour in London: ‘Back on full plane’

Chaos

‘Bad plan,’ said Hammelburg. ‘They already have old Russian planes and there is talk of F-16s. If you introduce another system, it will be a mess.’

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