"This package is one of the broadest approved by the EU," stated the Belgian presidency in an official statement. "It will undergo a written procedure and be formally adopted on February 24th," marking the anniversary of the invasion.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell confirmed the inclusion of nearly 200 individuals and entities in the new sanctions list. "We are taking further action against entities involved in circumvention, the defence and military sectors," he explained in a statement on X.

This move follows twelve previous rounds of sanctions imposed by the EU since the war began in February 2022. Previous measures have targeted Russian oil and coal imports, high-tech exports, and major financial institutions like SWIFT.

While support for Ukraine has softened in some member states, the recent death of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, attributed by many European leaders to the Kremlin, has reignited calls for stricter sanctions.

This latest package reflects the EU's continued condemnation of Russia's aggression and its commitment to supporting Ukraine. The formal adoption on February 24th serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the ongoing pressure on Russia to end its hostilities. (ILKHA)