EU leaders agree on new sanctions package against Russia

EU member states, led by the Belgian presidency, agree on expansive new sanctions against Russia over aggression toward Ukraine, targeting nearly 200 individuals and entities

The European Union (EU) member states, under the presidency of Belgium, have reached an agreement on a new set of sanctions against Russia, as announced Wednesday.

“EU ambassadors have tentatively agreed on a 13th package of sanctions in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” the presidency said in a statement posted on X.

Described as one of the most comprehensive packages endorsed by the EU, it is set to undergo a written procedure and receive formal approval on February 24, marking the second anniversary of the conflict.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized that the new sanctions will target nearly 200 individuals and entities. “With this package, we are intensifying measures against entities involved in circumvention, as well as those within the defense and military sectors,” he stated.

Since the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has imposed 12 rounds of sanctions.

These measures include bans on oil and coal imports, restrictions on exports of high-tech technology products, and the exclusion of Russian banks from the SWIFT international payment system.

As the conflict enters its third year this Saturday, the recent death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, for which many European leaders hold Moscow responsible, has revitalized efforts to impose further sanctions on Russia.

Source: Newsroom

#haber#