EU adopts 13th package of sanctions against Russia

Two years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, the EU adopted Friday its thirteenth package of sanctions against Putin’s regime, those responsible for perpetuating its war and those supporting it. The restrictive measures are imposed on an additional 106 individuals and 88 entities the EU says are responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The new listings target primarily the military and defence sectors and associated individuals, including those involved in DPRK armament supply to Russia, as well as members of the judiciary, local politicians and people responsible for the illegal deportation and military re-education of Ukrainian children. Altogether, the EU sanctions agaionst Russia over Ukraine now apply to over 2000 individuals and entities altogether.

Those designated are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.

China is among 27 new entities added to the list of those directly supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine. These will be subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual use goods and technologies, as well as goods and technology which might contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector. Other entities are located in India, Sri Lanka, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Turkey and have been involved in the circumvention of trade restrictions, others are Russian entities involved in the development, production and supply of electronic components for Russia’s military and industrial complex.

The latest decision also expands the list of restricted items that could contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector by adding components for the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Finally, the EU has introduced further restrictions on exports of goods which contribute in particular to the enhancement of Russian industrial capabilities, such as electrical transformers.

The decision adds the United Kingdom to a list of partner countries which apply a set of restrictive measures on imports of iron and steel from Russia, and a set of import control measures substantially equivalent to those of the EU.

Source: EUbusiness