EU targets Russia, China, and North Korea in new sanctions
The European Union has adopted its 15th sanctions package, targeting 54 individuals and 30 organizations from Russia, China, and North Korea, as stated in an official communiqué published on the European Council's website.
The new measures are designed to combat the evasion of existing sanctions, target Russia's "ghost fleet," and undermine its military-industrial complex.
"Russia continues its brutal assault on Ukraine and its people. This sanctions package is part of our firm response to weaken the Russian war machine and its supporters, including Chinese companies. It demonstrates the unity of EU member states in their unwavering support for Ukraine," said Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
Those sanctioned include:
- The military unit responsible for the attack on the "Ohmatdet" children's hospital in Kyiv;
- Executives from Russian energy companies and individuals involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children;
- Companies in the defense and maritime transport sectors, including those that transport oil and petroleum products contributing to Russia's budget;
- Chinese entities, sanctioned for the first time, accused of supplying components for drones and microelectronics used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Combating the "Ghost Fleet"
A significant portion of the adopted measures targets the "ghost fleet" used to transport Russian oil and evade international sanctions. Fifty-two vessels have been added to the list of those banned from European ports, as they transport crude oil, military equipment, or stolen Ukrainian grain.
To support European operators, the EU has decided to prohibit the enforcement of Russian court rulings that unfairly penalize European companies. Additionally, an exemption has been introduced to unblock balances held by European financial institutions affected by retaliatory measures from Russia.
"Our immediate priority is to position Ukraine as strongly as possible. We will continue to stand by the Ukrainian people on all fronts: humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic, and military. There is no doubt that Ukraine will win this war," added Kaja Kallas.
Official documents will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, and the sanctions will take effect immediately.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
