Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Council adopted a 15th sanctions package targeting Russia, its supporters, and entities enabling war efforts.
The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union approved a 15th package of economic and individual restrictive measures to additionally restrict Russia’s capacity to wage its unlawful, unprovoked and unjustified fight of aggression against Ukraine. As reported by the European Council sanctions package includes 54 persons and 30 entities “responsible for actions damaging or endangering the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.”
In her remarks, the EU’s chief diplomat Kaja Kallas said:
“This package of sanctions is part of our reaction to draining Russia’s war machine and those who are promoting this war, also including Chinese firms.” “It demonstrates the unity of EU member states in our continuous support to Ukraine. Our immediate focus is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position.”
Which entities face restrictions under the latest measures?
The new package of restrictive measures targets shipping businesses, enabling Russia to sell its crude oil, supplying Moscow’s coffers amid the full-scale battle. The European Union also barred 52 vessels transporting Russian oil beyond the $60 per barrel price cap from accessing European Union services and ports.
The sanctions further target a chemical plant, a Kremlin airline business delivering support to the military, and defence organisations. For the first time, the European Union set full-blown sanctions—including a travel embargo and asset freeze on various Chinese players providing drone components and microelectronic components” to Moscow.
Who are the individuals being targeted in sanctions?
Regarding sanctioned individuals, the package includes the Russian military unit liable for a fatal strike against the Ohkmatdyt children’s clinic in Kyiv in July, top executives of energy businesses, individuals engaged in the deportation of Ukrainian kids, dissemination of propaganda, two senior North Korean officials, and sanctions circumvention.Â
The European Union sanctioned North Korean administrators after Pyongyang sent over 10,000 troops to assist Russia’s war. North Korean soldiers recently witnessed fighting with Ukraine during ground attacks in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Moreover, the EU further added 32 entities to the list of those directly helping Moscow’s military-industrial complex, including firms based in Iran, China, India, Serbia, and the UAE.
