Western countries are discussing sanctions aimed at restricting Russia's access to the SWIFT international interbank system. It is reported by Reuters with reference to a representative of the presidential administration of France.

According to the interlocutor of the agency, Western countries are being careful not to accelerate the gap between Russia and Europe.

Earlier, Reuters, citing sources, wrote that the United States and the European Union opposed the disconnection of the Russian Federation from the SWIFT international payment system in the event of a hypothetical war with Ukraine.

In January, the White House said that the United States continues to discuss with Europe measures against Russia in the event of its "invasion" of Ukraine, including disconnecting from SWIFT.

The story of a possible “Russian invasion” of Ukraine has been actively promoted in the West since mid-autumn last year. The US has consistently pointed to a supposed increase in Russia's presence near Ukraine's borders, threatening Moscow with new sanctions if it escalates. At the same time, the Kremlin has more than once directly denied any plans to attack Ukraine, on the contrary, pointing to the possible preparation of a military operation in the Donbass by Kiev.

bbabo.Net