EU Approves New Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine
In a unified response to Russia's continued aggression in Ukraine, European Union members have given the green light to a 13th package of sanctions against the country. The measures, which received unanimous approval, target nearly 200 additional entities and individuals accused of involvement in the two-year conflict.
Belgium, currently presiding over the rotating EU presidency, declared the accord on Wednesday, hailing it as one of the most comprehensive measures ever endorsed by the EU. The sanctions, slated for formal ratification by the 27-member bloc on February 24, symbolically coincide with the anniversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin's directive to invade Ukraine in 2022.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision, emphasizing the necessity to continue degrading Russia's war capabilities. The sanctions package focuses on individuals and organizations linked to the Russian government and the invasion of Ukraine.
According to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, the latest sanctions add 200 people and entities to the sanctions list, bringing the total to 2,000. The measures target entities involved in circumvention, the defense sector, and the military industry, aiming to impede Russia's access to components necessary for manufacturing drones.
The package also addresses entities and individuals involved in trafficking and kidnapping Ukrainian children, with targets mainly comprising Russian companies. Additionally, one North Korean and one Belarusian firm were included in the sanctions list. Notably, three mainland Chinese firms and one Hong Kong-based company were also targeted.
However, the newly approved sanctions do not include wide-ranging measures to impact specific economic sectors. Previous rounds of EU sanctions included prohibitions on importing diamonds and jewelry and imposed bans on crude oil, coal, steel, gold, and luxury goods from Russia.
While Western allies' focus on Ukraine had been waning due to war fatigue and concerns over the conflict in Gaza, the recent passing of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny has reignited efforts to impose new sanctions. President Joe Biden also announced that the United States would unveil new economic restrictions on Russia, targeting defense and industrial bases as well as revenue sources for the economy.
As tensions escalate, the latest sanctions underscore the EU's commitment to holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine and signal a concerted effort among Western allies to respond decisively to ongoing aggression in the region.
