The European Union has implemented its fifteenth set of economic and individual sanctions against Russia.
On Monday, the European Council enacted its fifteenth round of sanctions targeting Russia, aiming to diminish its military and industrial capacities and curtail its export earnings. The measures address the circumvention of EU sanctions by focusing on Russia’s fleet of oil tankers, according to a Council statement.
For the first time, comprehensive restrictions have been imposed on several Chinese entities accused by the EU of supplying drone components to Moscow.
This substantial package includes sanctions against 54 individuals and 30 entities deemed responsible for actions that undermine or threaten Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.
The EU primarily targeted Russian defense companies and maritime firms transporting crude oil and oil products. A chemical plant and a Russian airline, a significant logistical support provider for the Russian military, were also sanctioned.
Travel bans, asset freezes, and restrictions on providing economic resources were imposed on various Chinese entities supplying drone and microelectronic components to Russia.
Some sanctioned entities are located in countries including China, India, Iran, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates. The EU stated its readiness to consider further sanctions.
The bloc has implemented numerous measures to reduce Russia’s export revenues, weaken its military capabilities, and demonstrate support for Kyiv since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
The previous sanctions package was adopted in June. EU sanctions require unanimous agreement among member states.
Moscow has consistently criticized these economic and trade sanctions, while numerous experts in both Russia and the West argue that unilateral sanctions harm the imposing countries more than Russia itself.