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The European Union Foreign Affairs Council has approved the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at weakening its military-industrial complex and blocking the activities of Vladimir Putin’s “shadow fleet”.
Focus on military support for Ukraine
“We will stand by the Ukrainian people on all fronts: humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic and military. There is no doubt that Ukraine will win,” said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
The new restrictions cover 54 individuals and 30 organisations, including companies from Russia, China and North Korea. The sanctions list includes Russian military personnel involved in the shelling of the Okhmatdyt hospital in Kyiv, persons responsible for the deportation of Ukrainian children, as well as propagandists and those organising the circumvention of sanctions.
Key objectives of the sanctions:
- Russia’s “shadow fleet”: The sanctions list includes 52 tankers from third countries transporting Russian oil and oil products. This brings the total number of vessels under sanctions to 79.
- Technological support to Russia: Bans have been imposed on companies from China, India, Iran, Serbia and the UAE that supplied Russia with drones, microelectronics and other components to support its army.
- Russian defence enterprises: Chemical plants, shipping companies, and an airline that provides material support to the Russian military were sanctioned.
Stricter export restrictions
Stricter export restrictions on dual-use goods and technologies were imposed on 32 entities supporting the Russian military industry.
The official text of the sanctions is expected to be published in the EU’s Official Journal in the near future. This package underscores the EU’s determination to increase pressure on Russia and limit its resources to continue its aggression against Ukraine.
