Europe is not Disneyland for Russian oligarchs, nor anywhere in the West
The Polish parliamentarian proposes to cut off the elite of the Russian Federation from luxury villas, yachts, exclusive education in Europe and stop using Russian money in Western economies:
– In recent weeks, tensions in Europe have increased, everyone is following the messages from the Russian-Ukrainian border. You say that there is a simple method to pacify Russia. What are we talking about?
– The solution is obvious. Russian oligarchs have huge assets in the European Union and democratic countries in general. They own residences, villas, yachts, because, imagine, they like to spend time not in their homeland, but in Europe.
– That is, we need economic sanctions against the elite. What exactly do you offer? Arrest the European real estate of persons associated with the Russian regime? Deny yachts access to Saint-Tropez and advise them to go to the picturesque Barents Sea? Prohibit teaching children in Western universities, close accounts?
“There is no reason why Europe should be an amusement park for people who threaten the world. It’s not just a matter of blocking access to luxury homes, yachts and exclusive education. We are also talking about Russian money present in the economy of Western countries, often obtained by robbing society. The Russians make billions here, it’s the elephant in the living room that we ignore.
Why is this topic not being discussed?
“Because representatives of economic elites are connected with each other. There are many connections between Russian oligarchs and business circles in Europe and the United States. If a business finds a topic uncomfortable, it is rarely discussed in the free media. There is nothing new in my idea, it has long been known what can be done to put real pressure on Russia, however, there was no corresponding political will.
Is there a chance that such a move will turn the oligarchs and Russian elites against Putin?