EU approves new sanctions against Russia ahead of second anniversary of attack on Ukraine

first Amendment: 02/21/2024 – 17:32

3 minutes

These are the largest single sanctions over Russia’s war against Ukraine. Chinese companies are also included in these measures.

A total of 193 names, including people and entities, will be included in the list of those sanctioned in this thirteenth package of penalties, according to diplomatic sources on Wednesday, February 21, ahead of the second anniversary of Moscow’s invasion of its neighboring country. 24 February.

The Belgian government, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU, said, “EU ambassadors have agreed in principle on the thirteenth package of sanctions in the framework of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.”

All are accused of acquiring weapons or participating in the kidnapping of Ukrainian children.

The Ukrainian government claims Russian authorities have forcibly transferred more than 4,000 children from Ukraine to the regime so far in the conflict, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has accused officials including President Vladimir Putin of detaining children. Described as a war crime.

Moscow, for its part, denies committing any crimes and claims it has taken the minors from the war zone for their safety.

“We must continue to dismantle Putin’s war machine”

Brussels noted that the package would be subject to a written procedure It will get formal approval on Saturday 24th FebruaryAs the second anniversary of the biggest war on European soil in decades is being celebrated.

Similarly, diplomatic sources assured that the new sanctions would further improve trade sanctions against entities linked to the Kremlin’s military industry. In this sense, additional restrictions were imposed on the export to Russia of high-tech components for the production of drones.

The identities of the individuals and entities targeted by the new sanctions will be revealed when the sanctions are published in the EU legal journal.

“I welcome the agreement on our thirteenth package of sanctions against Russia (…) We must continue to dismantle Putin’s war machine. Together Total 2,000 approved, We keep the pressure on the Kremlin high. We are also cutting off Russia’s access to drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed.

The 27-nation bloc has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Moscow after President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to enter Ukraine.

The measures so far have targeted the energy sector, banks, the world’s largest diamond mining company, businesses and markets, and subjected Russian officials to asset freezes and travel bans.

With Reuters, AP and EFE