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EU envoys have reached a consensus on a 16th package of sanctions against Russia, introducing measures aimed at further deepening the country’s economic and political isolation.
The package, in line with the European Commission’s initial proposal, is set for formal adoption by EU foreign ministers on Monday, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s military incursion into Ukraine.
The sanctions will introduce a ban on imports of primary aluminium from Russia, a significant step given the metal’s extensive industrial uses.
This ban is scheduled to be implemented gradually over the year following the official adoption of the sanctions package. Additionally, the sale of gaming consoles and related equipment, such as joysticks and flight simulators, will be restricted due to concerns they could be repurposed for military drone operations.
The package also targets Putin’s so-called shadow fleet by including a list of 73 vessels, expanding upon the previously sanctioned 79 ships, which are primarily used for circumventing the G7’s price cap on Russian oil or for military logistics, such as transporting ammunition from North Korea.
The criteria for sanctioning individuals and entities associated with the shadow fleet will also be broadened, affecting ship owners, operators, and captains, as well as those providing support to Russia’s military efforts.
These developments follow an announcement from the U.S. that it would engage in further discussions with Russia to seek an end to the conflict in Ukraine, marking a shift from the prior U.S. strategy of rallying allies to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin. The U.S. had previously focused on reinforcing Ukraine’s position by excluding Moscow from talks, a tactic that is now seeing some adjustments.
The new sanctions will also expand the list of individuals and entities subjected to asset freezes and travel bans, adding 48 individuals and 35 entities. This decision is part of a broader effort by the EU and other Western powers to tighten the economic pressure on Russia, particularly targeting its oil exports and the infrastructure used to bypass international restrictions.
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