The largest sanctions package against Russia to date

EU member states adopted the most extensive sanctions package against Russia to date at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting held in Brussels, Belgium.

With this sanctions package, 52 more ships used by Russia for the transport of oil, weapons, and grain have been blacklisted. The European Council announced that with the measures announced today, the total number of ships blacklisted by the 27-member bloc has risen to 79.

The sanctions also mark the first package adopted during the EU Presidency of Hungary, which has close ties to Russia. Within the framework of the new sanctions, EU foreign ministers targeted 54 individuals and a total of 30 entities, consisting largely of companies, ministries, state institutions, and other organizations.

NORTH KOREAN DEFENSE MINISTER AND DEPUTY CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF ALSO ON THE SANCTIONS LIST

In the 15th sanctions package against Russia, dozens of Russian officials were also sanctioned due to the war against Ukraine. Those sanctioned include military unit commanders responsible for the attack on a children's hospital in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as well as energy company executives and high-ranking officials from North Korea. In this context, North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol and Deputy Chief of General Staff Kim Yong Bok, who are accused of being directly involved in the war in Ukraine on Russia's side, were also targeted. The sanctioned companies include Russian defense firms and a Russian airline that provides logistical support to Russian forces. Additionally, Chinese citizens accused of supplying drone parts and electronic equipment were also sanctioned.

"OUR PRIORITY GOAL IS TO PUT UKRAINE IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE POSITION"

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated in her remarks on the matter, "This sanctions package is part of our response to weaken Russia's war machine and those who support this war, including Chinese companies."

Kallas said, "This demonstrates the unity of EU member states in continuing their support for Ukraine. Our priority goal is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. We will stand by the Ukrainian people on every front: in humanitarian aid, the economy, politics, diplomacy, and the military field. There is no doubt that Ukraine will achieve victory."

"SANCTIONS APPLIED FOR THE FIRST TIME"

Today, it was also decided for the first time to apply restrictive measures against 16 individuals and 3 entities linked to Russia's hybrid attacks abroad. Within the framework of the sanctions, which are being applied for the first time regarding hybrid attacks—which include destabilizing actions abroad such as cyberattacks, election interference, and sabotage—a decision was made to apply restrictive measures against 16 individuals and 3 entities. The new sanctions targeted the Russian military intelligence agency GRU, as well as two entities accused of being involved in disinformation campaigns and individuals connected to them.

In a statement made by the European Council, it was said, "The assets of the individuals and entities sanctioned today will be frozen, and citizens and companies of EU member states will be prohibited from providing funds to these individuals and entities. These individuals will also be subject to a travel ban, and in this context, they will be prevented from entering or transiting through EU territory."

Within the framework of the sanctions applied since February 2022, when Russia's military attack on Ukraine began, more than 2,300 officials and organizations have been targeted by sanctions to date.

News Source: İHA