The Group of Seven countries intend to veto new World Bank projects in Russia in line with a new wave of sanctions imposed by the West over the Kremlin's alleged backing of separatist insurgents in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported Friday, citing unidentified government officials.
Such a decision could put a hold on 13 projects worth more than $1.5 billion that the bank was considering financing in Russia. The World Bank currently supports ten Russian projects worth $668 million, although less than half of that sum has been handed over so far.
The G7 countries, which include the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Britain and Japan, hold more than 40 percent of votes on the World Bank's board. Russia is also a member, with a voting share of less than 3 percent.
Another global development bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, announced last week that its board of directors — which is dominated by the United States and European Union — had decided to freeze financing to new projects in Russia. The development bank will continue work on its 305 active projects in Russia, where it has an operating portfolio worth 8.4 billion euros ($11.3 billion).
The World Bank drew international attention and criticism in late May when it proceeded with a 250 million euro ($187 million) investment in French supermarket chain Auchan's expansion in Russia and other emerging markets, despite U.S. and EU sanctions over Russia's actions in Ukraine.
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said in late July that his organization had good ties with both Russia and Ukraine and would try stay on the sidelines of the political conflict.
"It is extremely important for the world community to have an organization that remains apart from the politics and focuses on economics," Kim said, Bloomberg reported.
The World Bank supports projects worldwide devoted to fighting poverty, protecting the environment and improving infrastructure, education and living standards.
See also:
As Crisis Deepens, EBRD Freezes New Investment in Russia
Faced With Western Freeze-Out, BRICS Bank Is a Coup for Russia
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
