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12/22/2024 05:30:48 pm

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Russia Threatens To Close Airspace To Western Airlines

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev

(Photo : REUTERS) Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev

Moscow threatened to close its airspace to Western airlines if the European Union imposes a new sanction against Russian oil and financial companies.

During the NATO summit in Wales last week, the European Union agreed to hit Russian energy giants in an effort to change Russian President Vladimir Putin's policy on the Ukraine.

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The new round of sanctions is expected to be adopted on Monday and implemented on Tuesday, affecting energy giants, such as Rosneft, Gazprom Neft and Transneft.

But a statement released by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, he said if the financial sector or energy plants will be targeted by the EU, they will "have to respond asymmetrically."

Medvedev said Russia may retaliate by imposing transport restrictions against Western countries.

"Airlines of friendly countries are permitted to use Russia's airspace. But, we will have to act on any restrictions enforced on us."

However, the implementation of the sanction was delayed because an EU member country expressed its opposition on the agreement, according to US-backed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

The delay concurred with the sighting of Russians operating a missile launcher near the site where the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was downed.

The new sanctions came as Ukraine accused the pro-Russian separatists of launching new attacks in Eastern Ukraine despite the ceasefire implemented on Friday.

The sanctions agreed upon by the EU is expected to shut Russia off from the EU capital markets as it will prevent the Kremlin from raising funds for more than 30 days.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko made an unannounced visit to the city of Mariupol, a move to show strength in the area that has recently been under rebel attack.

"This is our Ukrainian land and we'll never give it up to anyone. This city was, is, and will be Ukrainian," Poroshenko told workers during his surprise visit.

The president addressed the workers at a metal plant of the recently embattled city, saying that Ukraine has assured the release of about 1,200 prisoners who were detained by the separatists.

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