To be disappointed that the EU won't sanction SWIFT

[cheddez]

Just that really. Why the reluctance?

because EU countries want Russian gas.

Same here OP. I am hoping someone will enlighten us. The international reaction has been disappointing.

@CraftyGin

because EU countries want Russian gas.

I think the issue is Germany. Not all EU countries are dependent on Russian gas.

I can't find a real reason why, just that they were reviewing it but it seems a bit late in the day.

I read they were working out what the Russians would do if they did that, there's a Chinese system they might use instead. This way at least they know what is happening.

The Guardian article I read did say some EU countries were pro.

@SugarAndCoffee

I read they were working out what the Russians would do if they did that, there's a Chinese system they might use instead. This way at least they know what is happening.

Yes, it risks strengthening their relationship with China which may not be good.

It's not just Germany, other EU countries are reluctant to make that move yet because it will mean losing our on Russian gas and potential rolling blackouts as a consequence.

I do hope that it will go ahead because I think it is the only thing that might represent a tipping point but it's not an easy political decision.

I agree with SugarAndCoffee
China is the real issue here and so far, they haven't openly condemned the invasion. If anything, they probably supply Russia with the necessary hardware.

Germany, France and Italy all opposed it due to their reliance on Russian gas. I'm massively disappointed too as we really need to come down hard on Russia as that's all Putin knows / respect.

China is watching the world and no doubt will fully invade Taiwan soon given the lack of action the world is taking against Russia. Sad times all round and massively feel for the people of Ukraine.

Because some want gas, Italy it appears want the goods Russia produces. Cyprus is another one who disagrees

That’s the issue with trying to get 27 countries to agree to something

It’s shameful

It's four countries out of 27, not the whole EU. Apparently the tide is turning and it's being included in the next wave of sanctions (this has just been discussed in Irish radio).

Its expected that they will make the decision to in the next few days. Maybe hold out on your disappointment.

@DirectionToPerfection

It's four countries out of 27, not the whole EU. Apparently the tide is turning and it's being included in the next wave of sanctions (this has just been discussed in Irish radio).

Oh sounds like we were listening to the same radio!

@RoastedFerret if they are going to do it surely it's better to do it now before more people die?

@DirectionToPerfection that's good news

@SugarAndCoffee I didn't think of that

What are they saying will trigger the next wave of sanctions?

There are slower, old fashioned ways to transmit payments such as telex that are available. Slower and antiquated systems but still viable. Blocking SWIFT will slow Russia down but not stop them completely, sadly.

Because of the level of western investment in Russia. If they sanction SWIFT how will our rich people get their money out.

[quote cheddez]@RoastedFerret if they are going to do it surely it's better to do it now before more people die? [/quote]
So you think that this EU will include SWIFT in their sanctions and then Putin will just call off his attack? I really don't think any of this is as simple as you seem to believe.

Italy has pushed for their luxury products to be left out of sanctions.

This is cowardly and despicable from the EU.

@Chloemol

Because some want gas, Italy it appears want the goods Russia produces. Cyprus is another one who disagrees

That’s the issue with trying to get 27 countries to agree to something

It’s shameful

I lived in Cyprus and washing Russian money through their banking system, and selling EU citizenship to rich Eastern European gangsters, are two of the major economic activities.

That’s the issue with trying to get 27 countries to agree to something

That's why some nice, normal people were sufficiently sceptical of the EU to vote to leave it (the fact that this led to Boris Johnson becoming PM is regrettable). I believe the other EU countries are essentially in Germany's orbit and therefore Scholz's vote will be the key one so hopefully he comes round.

@RoastedFerret you said I should hold off my disappointment but I'm not sure why? I think harsher sanctions (if that's the route they are going down) would've been more beneficial before Russia was so close to the capital but you can disagree.

I presume it's not going to be completely pointless otherwise why bother in the first place.