Marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has adopted a 16th package of economic and individual restrictive measures. The new sanctions target key sectors of the Russian economy, further tightening pressure on the Kremlin.
Expanding Individual Listings
The EU Council has added 83 new designations to its sanctions list, comprising 48 individuals and 35 entities. These include persons and organisations involved in actions undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty, as well as those benefitting from Russia’s military and industrial complex.
Two new criteria for imposing sanctions have also been introduced, allowing restrictions on entities linked to Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ and those facilitating military procurement.
Crackdown on Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Sanctions have been extended to 74 additional vessels engaged in bypassing the oil price cap, supporting Russia’s energy sector, or transporting military equipment and stolen Ukrainian grain.
This brings the total number of designated ships to 153, significantly hampering Russia’s ability to exploit global shipping networks for its war efforts.
Financial and Banking Restrictions
For the first time, the EU is targeting non-Russian financial institutions using Russia’s ‘System for Transfer of Financial Messages’ (SPFS), a mechanism developed to counter Western sanctions.
Additionally, the bloc has extended prohibitions on financial messaging services to 13 more regional Russian banks deemed critical to the country’s financial system.
Trade and Technology Embargoes
The EU has expanded its trade restrictions, blacklisting 53 new entities aiding Russia’s military industry.
These firms, located in Russia, China (including Hong Kong), India, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Turkey, the UAE, and Uzbekistan, have been identified as instrumental in circumventing sanctions or procuring sensitive military components.
New bans cover exports of UAV guidance systems, chemical precursors for riot control agents, CNC-related software, and chromium compounds.
Additionally, restrictions now apply to exports of chemicals, plastics, and rubber used in Russian industry, as well as the import of Russian aluminium.
Media and Propaganda Ban
Eight Russian media outlets, including EADaily, NewsFront, and Tvzvezda, have had their EU broadcasting licences revoked.
The EU accuses these channels of spreading disinformation to support Russia’s war efforts and destabilise Europe.
However, their ability to conduct journalistic activities such as interviews and research within the EU remains unaffected.
Transport and Logistics Measures
The EU has introduced further restrictions on Russia’s transportation sector, banning transactions with specific Russian ports, locks, and airports linked to arms transfers.
The flight ban has also been widened to cover Russian carriers operating domestic flights or facilitating aviation exports.
Additionally, EU operators are now prohibited from modifying their ownership structures in ways that would increase Russian stakes beyond 25%.
Energy Sector Restrictions
New measures extend prohibitions on supplying goods and technology related to oil and gas exploration, further constraining Russia’s fossil fuel industry.
The ban now includes software crucial to energy extraction and storage, alongside additional curbs on crude oil project development, notably the Vostok oil initiative.
Temporary storage of Russian crude oil and petroleum products within the EU is also prohibited.
Additional Measures and Belarus Sanctions
The sanctions package extends restrictions to the Belarusian economy, aligning with those imposed on Russia.
Measures include limits on software sales, deposits, crypto-assets, and transport-related services.
The EU has also introduced new criteria targeting individuals and entities supporting Belarus’ military sector.
Crimea and Non-Government Controlled Areas of Ukraine
In an effort to prevent Russia from further integrating occupied territories, the EU has imposed new sanctions on Crimea, Sevastopol, and Russian-controlled regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.
These include bans on providing accounting, legal, engineering, IT, and public relations services, as well as restrictions on the supply of industrial software and intellectual property.
EU’s Continued Commitment to Ukraine
The European Council reaffirmed its condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression and its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
The EU remains determined to strengthen pressure on Russia and maintain support for Kyiv until a just and lasting peace is achieved.
The latest measures are designed to ensure that Ukraine remains in a strong negotiating position while depriving the Kremlin of resources to sustain its military operations.
The legal texts formalising these sanctions will be published shortly in the Official Journal of the EU.
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