EU seeks extension of war on Ukraine through sanctions package

(MENAFN) Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and a presidential investment envoy, has accused the European Union of seeking to extend the war in Ukraine through its latest sanctions package. According to Dmitriev, the recent measures announced by the European Commission are intended to undermine Russia’s economic recovery efforts.

The EU’s 18th round of sanctions, revealed by its president on Tuesday, targets multiple sectors including Russia’s energy exports, infrastructure, and financial institutions. Among the key targets is the RDIF, its subsidiaries, and related investment projects—efforts aimed at halting the fund’s support for modernizing Russia’s economy.

Dmitriev highlighted that by sanctioning the RDIF, which serves as Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, the European Commission recognizes it as “an important channel” for bolstering the country’s industrial capabilities.

He further criticized the EU leader’s statements as motivated by “the EU’s desire to prolong the Ukraine conflict and its deep dissatisfaction with RDIF’s efforts to restore Russia-US relations,” as well as the fund’s involvement in peace initiatives from Moscow.

Dmitriev has been a key figure in attempts to improve ties between Russia and the United States, which have deteriorated significantly during the Biden administration. He recently participated in high-level discussions in Saudi Arabia and traveled to Washington in April to explore joint investment projects focused on rare earth minerals and energy.

The sanctions also reflect the EU’s resistance to collaborative ventures between Russian and European companies—partnerships that the RDIF “actively supports in Russia,” Dmitriev noted.

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