The European Union approved a series of new restrictive measures targeting individuals and entities supporting Russia’s war actions, including multiple businesses from China and Hong Kong.
This marks the 20th round of sanctions imposed by the EU, aimed at combating Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, its hybrid warfare, and blatant violations of international law and human rights.
The EU Council announced that a total of 34 individuals and 47 entities were added in this round of sanctions. The targets include Russia’s military-industrial complex, the “shadow fleet” composed of oil and gas tankers, and institutions involved in Russian political interference activities.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated that while approving these new measures, EU member states are currently discussing broader sanctions plans for the 21st round.
“These sanctions approved today directly target Russia’s military-industrial complex, shadow fleet, and the core financing of its hybrid attack networks on Europe,” Kallas said. “Each measure is narrowing Russia’s room to maneuver. Western sanctions are estimated to have cost Russia between 1 trillion to 1.3 trillion euros. We are systematically dismantling the economic foundations of Russia’s war machine.”
To alleviate the immense suffering caused by Russia’s actions on Ukrainian civilians, the EU imposed sanctions on seven individuals and 21 entities supporting the Russian military-industrial complex.
Entities subject to sanctions include manufacturers supplying military equipment such as drones to the Russian military, including JSC ‘Lavochkin’ established by the Russian National Space Group. Two Chinese companies, Shenzhen Minghuaxin and Xinxiang Richful, one of China’s largest lubricant additive manufacturers, were also listed.
Additionally, the “City of Military Innovation Technologies” and the “Advanced Research Foundation” established by the Russian government to develop advanced military unmanned systems were included in the sanctions.
Energy revenue is the lifeline of Russia’s war economy. This round of sanctions targets two individuals and 24 entities related to Russian oil or petroleum exports, aiming to counter the “shadow fleet” used to evade EU sanctions and pose threats to maritime security.
Listed entities include Lukoil-Western Siberia and numerous shipping and trading companies based in Russia, Liberia, Turkey, the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Hong Kong.
The new list imposes sanctions on 10 individuals and one entity, primarily focusing on Russian propagandists involved in foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).
Sanctioned individuals include prominent propagandists like Anatoly Kuzichev and Maria Volkonskaya, the chief editor of the official “Crimean Herald,” responsible for spreading false information to justify the invasion of Ukraine or dehumanize Ukrainians.
Moreover, one Russian Orthodox bishop and the “Presidential Cultural Initiative Foundation” established by Russian President Vladimir Putin were also sanctioned.
In light of a joint statement by the UK, France, Germany, and others confirming the fatal poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny with epibatidine in February 2024, the EU imposed sanctions on 15 individuals and one entity.
The sanctioned targets include Russian judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and FSB medical personnel involved in the persecution, poisoning, and death of Navalny. Additionally, the technology company IPJSC NTK was sanctioned for collaborating with the Moscow City Government to develop a facial recognition system used to monitor and detain independent journalists and peaceful protesters.
Following an annual review, the EU Council decided to extend the restrictive measures implemented in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol until June 23, 2027. The EU reiterated its non-recognition of these illegal annexation acts and strongly condemned Russia’s violations of international law.