“Unfriendly” countries targeted
Putin puts more than 30 tax treaties on hold
8/8/2023 8:54 p.m
Due to the sanctions imposed by western states, Russia sees itself as a victim. Now, in a decree, Putin complains that the nations are violating the “interests of the Russian Federation.” In response, he wants to freeze several double taxation agreements, for example with Germany.
Amid his war of aggression against Ukraine, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has suspended tax deals with more than 30 countries that Russia has labeled “unfriendly.” The corresponding decree was published on the Russian legal portal. Accordingly, double taxation agreements with the USA and several EU countries, including Germany, and Switzerland are affected.
Moscow justified the move with alleged “violations against the legitimate economic and other interests of the Russian Federation”. Putin instructed the government to draw up a corresponding bill and submit it to parliament. Relations between Moscow and the West have been at an all-time low since Russia attacked neighboring Ukraine more than 17 months ago.
The European Union, but also the USA and Great Britain reacted to the brutal war with far-reaching economic sanctions against Russia, among other things. The sanctions should increasingly affect countries that help Russia to acquire military technology. In this context, Great Britain now wants to take action against individuals and companies. “Today’s landmark sanctions will further weaken Russia’s arms arsenal and shut down the supply chains that support (Kremlin chief Vladimir) Putin’s flagging arms industry,” said British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. “There is no place for those who keep the Russian military machine alive to hide.”
Kremlin brands 50 countries ‘unfriendly’
Accordingly, two companies in Turkey and one in Dubai are affected, which, according to British information, supply microelectronics or drones and drone parts to Russia. Sanctions have also been imposed on three Russian companies from the electronics industry.
There is also a Slovakian who is said to have been involved in an attempted arms deal between North Korea and Russia, and a Swiss man because of his role in the Russian financial services sector. The United States had already imposed sanctions on both men a few months ago.
Moscow, on the other hand, has repeatedly portrayed itself as a supposed victim of anti-Russian policy in the West due to the sanctions. The Kremlin has now branded 50 countries as “unfriendly states”, including Germany, the entire EU, the USA and Australia.