The United States and the European Union are studying the possibility of imposing sanctions against the largest Russian banks and the Russian direct investment fund (RFI), if Russia “will attack” to Ukraine. This is reported by Bloomberg agency with reference to its sources.
sources indicate that among the most likely restrictions, it may be converted rubles to dollars and other foreign currencies, including euro and pounds sterling. Moreover, the West may limit the possibility of investors to buy Russian debt obligations in the secondary market, RBC notes.
As indicates Bloomberg, “the most radical option would be to ban Russia access to SWIFT financial payments system, but it would damage to ordinary citizens, so officials are more inclined to pursue the ability of Russia to convert rubles to dollars, euro or British pounds.”
On the eve, CNN sources warned that the American authorities consider the opportunity to punish the Russian Federation with new restrictions as part of the curvature of the invasion of Russia to Ukraine. It was emphasized that sanctions may affect the “environment” of the Russian leader Vladimir Putin and energy companies. They also suggest the disabling of the Russian Federation from the SWIFT system, clarifies the publication. While Washington still discusses the possibility of introducing restrictions with European partners, and the final decision is not accepted.