OREANDA-NEWS Electricity and heating tariffs in Germany have increased significantly after the introduction of sanctions against Russia. This was reported by Izvestia.

"Yes, definitely utility costs have increased: gas, electricity - everything has risen in price. We use gas for heating and hot water, for washing dishes. We feel the price increase, but we hope it will change somehow. We are trying to use less hot water for washing dishes, we have to save money," said Ilfa Kert, the owner of a cafe in Germany.

According to the European Union, the best response to Russia's actions is sanctions pressure on major banks, aircraft and shipbuilding corporations, industry, space programs, as well as restrictions on access to financial markets.

"The sanctions were created by the West to show voters: we are taking action! Even though these measures are useless and will actually work against us," said former British Ambassador to Syria Peter Ford.

As noted by Izvestia, sanctions have not yet been introduced in more sensitive areas for Europe. In particular, we are not talking about the complete disconnection of the Russian banking system from SWIFT or the refusal to supply Russian aluminum.