The measures, designed to bolster existing sanctions and combat circumvention strategies, aim to undermine President Vladimir Putin's war machine and disrupt its financial resources.

In a statement, Josep Borrell, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, highlighted the significant impact that the EU's sanctions have already had on the Russian economy and its ability to finance its aggressive actions. The latest package intensifies pressure on Russia and its relentless pursuit of war against Ukraine. Borrell emphasized that by specifically targeting sanctions circumvention, the EU seeks to deprive Russia of the resources necessary to sustain its illegal war.

The new package encompasses a range of measures:

1. Circumvention Tool: The EU plans to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation with third countries to address the growing issue of sanctions circumvention. Technical assistance will be provided, and if cooperation proves ineffective, rapid and proportionate action will be taken against entities involved in facilitating circumvention.

2. Transit Ban: To further prevent sanctions evasion, the EU has imposed a ban on the transit of specific goods and technologies through Russia that could contribute to its military and technological advancements. This includes items related to the aviation and space industry, as well as jet fuel, fuel additives, and other defense-related goods.

3. Import-Export Controls and Restrictions: The Council has expanded the list of entities directly supporting Russia's military and industrial complex in its aggression against Ukraine. These entities will now face stricter export restrictions concerning dual-use goods and technologies. The list includes third-country entities involved in the production of drones for Russia and those engaged in the circumvention of trade restrictions.

4. Broadcasting: In response to Russia's systematic media manipulation and distortion of facts, the Council has extended the suspension of broadcasting licenses for five additional media outlets. These outlets, which are under the control of the Russian Federation's leadership, have been employed for propaganda purposes, targeting the EU and neighboring countries. The propaganda campaigns have specifically focused on political parties, civil society, asylum seekers, and democratic institutions.

5. Roads and Ports: The EU has expanded its prohibition on the transportation of goods into the EU by road to include trailers and semi-trailers registered in Russia. Furthermore, vessels suspected of engaging in ship-to-ship transfers in breach of the ban on importing Russian crude oil and petroleum products or violating navigation standards will be denied access to EU ports and locks.

6. Energy: The temporary exemption granted to Germany and Poland for the supply of crude oil from Russia through the northern section of the Druzhba oil pipeline will come to an end. However, the transit of oil originating from third countries, such as Kazakhstan, through Russia and its subsequent import into the EU via the pipeline will remain unaffected.

7. Individual Listings: In addition to economic sanctions, the Council has added a significant number of individuals and entities to the sanctions list.

These measures follow the EU's strong condemnation of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, underscoring its violation of the UN Charter. The EU reaffirms its commitment to providing robust political, economic, military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary. (ILKHA)