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France 24
France 24
World
Douglas HERBERT

EU ban on Russian cars: A sanction custom-made for Putin's propagandists?

TALKING EUROPE © FRANCE 24

It's not every day that both the Kremlin and its fiercest critics unite in outrage at the European Union. But that's precisely what happened recently, after the EU banned Russian citizens from bringing their personal vehicles into the bloc. And it wasn't just about cars. The Moscow Times reported that the ban appeared to include goods ranging from smartphones and laptops, to everyday necessities like toothpaste and toilet paper.

Russia's foreign ministry slammed the move as "racist". Anti-Putin activists, meanwhile, fear the EU's measure could backfire by punishing Russian opponents of the war, while fuelling Kremlin propaganda. The row is also raising broader questions about whether sanctions against Russia can sometimes go too far. We delve into what's at stake with two MEPs.

Produced by Perrine Desplats, Sophie Samaille and Isabelle Romero

The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.

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