The EU has agreed on a new sanctions package against Russia, targeting its aluminium industry and tightening restrictions on oil exports. This is the 16th round of sanctions since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The measures include sanctions on 13 banks, 73 “shadow fleet” tankers used for oil exports, and a phased ban on certain Russian aluminium products. Additionally, more individuals and companies aiding Russia’s war efforts will be targeted. The package was approved by all 27 EU member states.
EU envoys agreed on the 16th package of sanctions against Russia, including a ban on primary aluminium imports, sales of gaming consoles and the listing of 73 shadow fleet vessels, the Financial Times reports.
Reportedly, the package will officially be adopted on Monday – it will be three years of the full-scale war that day.
▪ The aluminium import ban will be phased in a year from the official adoption of the package, which also adds 48 individuals and 35 entities to its sanctions list which includes asset freezes and a travel ban.
▪ In addition to the vessels, the envoys agreed to prohibit transactions with ports and airports in Russia used to circumvent the Group of Seven price cap on Russian oil.
▪ The newly sanctioned ships will be added to the already listed 79 ships, mainly tankers, used by Russia to sell oil outside the price cap or vessels that help in Moscow’s war effort such as shipping ammunition from North Korea.
▪ Sales of video game consoles, joysticks and flight simulators would also be restricted as they could be used by Russia’s military to control drones.
▪ The sanctions also target 13 more banks.
▪ Other bans include exports of chromium and certain chemicals as well as a service ban for oil and gas refineries.
