"The issue of imposing sanctions against Russians has not been raised, Syrians are planned to be included on the list… Ministers will take a decision, in which they will state the necessity of imposing sanctions against Syrian regime officials who are responsible for war crimes in Aleppo," the source told RIA Novosti.
The sanctions aim to pressure the Syrian government to stop airstrikes, establish a ceasefire and allow humanitarian access without any preconditions, the source added, noting that countries involved in discussing the sanctions will identify Syrian government and military officials responsible for giving order in the course of the fighting.
"Russia will be discussed during the European Council meeting… We do not aim to impose sanctions on everyone. The goal is to stop bombing raids and establish a ceasefire," the source said.
On September 9, Russia and the United States reached an agreement for a peace process in Syria, where a civil war has been ongoing since 2011. A ceasefire stipulated by the deal entered into force on September 12, but quickly collapsed into violence. The Syrian Army launched a major offensive on the rebel-held districts of Aleppo, blaming militants for numerous violations. Syria has been accused of hitting civilians with its airstrikes, while the country's military denied bombing civilian areas.
