Italy opposes EU sanctions against Russia.

(Baonghean.vn) - EU leaders on October 21 condemned Russia's bombing of civilians in Aleppo. However, the EU remains divided internally because Italy has refused to impose new sanctions on Moscow.

Russia will do everything in its power to help Syria retake Aleppo. Photo: Internet.

In a recent nine-hour dialogue between EU leaders in Brussels, Germany, the UK, and France sought to increase pressure on Moscow to end the airstrikes on Aleppo. In contrast to these three leaders, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi stated that economic sanctions should not be part of the strategy as they would not force Moscow to the negotiating table.

"We should do everything to establish peace in Syria, but it will be difficult if we impose more sanctions on Russia," Renzi said.

Increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions is dividing the EU internally, especially as Italy is reluctant to impose them due to its close trade ties with Russia. Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande has stated that imposing sanctions is necessary.

"Options remain when a peace agreement cannot be reached and the city is still in conflict," Hollande said of the situation in Aleppo, where 275,000 people remain trapped.

Similarly, German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the airstrikes on Aleppo as "completely inhumane" and said she would do everything possible to stop the conflict. She said imposing sanctions remained an option. "If the intensity of the airstrikes continues, that will give us reason to think about what needs to be done next."

Shortly after being condemned, Russia also responded to its actions. Moscow announced it would increase the ceasefire in Aleppo to 11 hours per day for four days, a move aimed at easing tensions from the EU side.

Nhat Minh

(According to Dailymail)