Brussels, Dec. 16, (dpa/GNA) – European Union foreign ministers on Monday signed off on the bloc’s 15th round of sanctions since Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The new economic measures aim to curb the circumvention of already existing EU sanctions and to weaken the Russia military and defence industry.
“With each new round of sanctions, we improve effectiveness and close gaps, and we will continue to do so, as part of our unwavering commitment to support Ukraine and its people,” said EU Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque.
The formal adoption by foreign ministers gathered in Brussels follows an agreement by EU ambassadors reached last week.
Fifty-two vessels were added to the list of ships that are suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and subject to bans of a broad range of services and access to ports.
“These ships have been found to be engaged in high-risk shipping practices when transporting Russian oil or petroleum products, in arms deliveries, grain theft, or supporting the Russian energy sector,” a press release said.
Additionally, another 32 companies are targeted with export restrictions for “contributing to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector,” the EU said.
Next to 20 Russian firms, the targeted businesses are based in China, India, Iran, Serbia and the United Arab Emirates.
A further 84 individuals and entities have been slapped with asset freezes in the EU and travel bans “for actions undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stressed the importance of the new sanctions package.
Addressing his EU counterparts by video link, Sybiha “urged continued pressure on Moscow, raising the cost of war for the aggressor, and strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities,” he wrote on the social media platform X.
Sybiha was also due to give an update on the situation on the battlefield, as talks about EU involvement in a potential peacekeeping mission grows louder.
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas, however, dismissed any precise plans as she arrived at the meeting.
“First there has to be peace in order to send peacekeepers. And Russia does not want peace,” said.
GNA