Ursula von der Leyen: Main goal is to reduce Russian authorities' income

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Bild am Sonntag newspaper that when discussing further sanctions on Russia against the backdrop of events in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) is considering measures against the banking sector, in particular Sberbank, as well as restrictions in the energy sector, Report informs.

"We continue to focus on the banking sector, especially Sberbank, which accounts for 37% of the Russian banking sector. And, of course, we are talking about energy as well," Ursula von der Leyen noted, commenting on the key points of the sixth package of sanctions against Russia. At the same time, she added that the main goal is to reduce the income of the Russian authorities.

Meanwhile, von der Leyen stressed that the European Union is currently "developing smart mechanisms" that will allow oil to be included in the next sanctions package.

However, she rejected criticism that "the German government slows down" the adoption of anti-Russian sanctions.

"Germany supported Ukraine for many years and approved all five sanctions packages we proposed within 48 hours. The EU has never acted with such unity, determination and energy as it does now. Germany is taking part in this," the head of the European Commission said.