The new EU sanctions will target not only additional sectors of the Russian economy but also – at Poland’s request – 70 oil tankers operating as part of Russia’s so-called „shadow fleet,” along with their captains.
EU flag, illustrative photoPhoto: kdg2020/Pixaby.com
EU member state ambassadors unanimously approved the resolution, accepting Poland’s proposal to adopt the sanctions ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had earlier urged EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to sanction the Russian shadow fleet, citing environmental risks and damage to underwater infrastructure, such as the EastLink2 cable between Finland and Estonia.
The new sanctions package also includes bans on cooperation and transactions with several Russian ports and airports violating the oil embargo, the disconnection of additional Russian banks from the SWIFT system, and further restrictions on Belarus to prevent it from helping Russia bypass Western sanctions.
Several individuals have been added to the EU blacklist, facing travel bans and asset freezes, while Russian media outlets have had their broadcasting licenses revoked. The measures also prohibit the export of Russian aluminum to the EU and restrict trade in certain chemicals.
Source: IAR/PAP/X/@sikorskiradek/@vonderleyen/@nexta_tv
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