“Since a complete embargo on trade with Russia remains unlikely, any goods and services purchased from or sold to Russia may be subject to tax. The funds received in this way can be used to restore Ukraine,” Olekas said.
At the same time, the parliamentarian noted that the tax could be gradually increased in order to “encourage Western companies to voluntarily reduce or completely stop trade with Russia.”
In his letter, he emphasized that significant trade turnover still remains between Russia and the EU. According to Olekas, the Russian budget annually receives about $200 billion from trade with Europe and the G7 countries.
“What does the European Commission think about the possibility of introducing a “war tax” on continued trade with Russia? - asked the deputy.
As Vladimir Olenchenko, a researcher at the Center for European Studies at IMEMO RAS, explained in a conversation with RT, the introduction of additional fees for businesses in the EU will lead to a slowdown in the economy.
“Taxes have several functions. They not only serve as a source of additional income, but also have an impact on economic development. If taxes are high, then business slows down its actions,” Olenchenko concluded.
He also added that the deputies who make such proposals are probably not competent.
Earlier, the permanent representatives of the EU member states agreed on a proposal to use the income of Russian assets to restore Ukraine.