The European Union has announced a new set of sanctions aimed at countering Russian aggression against Ukraine, as confirmed by the EU’s press service on June 15.
The latest measures include the addition of 34 individuals and 47 entities to the sanctions list. The EU anticipates that these actions will intensify pressure on Russia’s military-industrial complex and restrict the country’s energy revenue by targeting its shadow fleet.
In addition, the sanctions are designed to combat hybrid threats and the spread of Russian state propaganda, while also addressing systematic human rights violations within Russia and the country’s repeated disregard for the Chemical Weapons Convention.
According to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaia Kallas, the sanctions are aimed at the “heart of Russia’s military-industrial complex, its shadow fleet, and the networks that fuel Moscow’s hybrid attacks on Europe.” She noted that work is ongoing on a broader 21st package of sanctions, stating, “Each measure narrows Russia’s room for maneuver. The numbers speak for themselves; Western sanctions have already cost Russia approximately €1 to €1.3 trillion. Brick by brick, we are dismantling the foundations of Russia’s war economy.”
The European Council specified that sanctions have been imposed on seven individuals and 21 companies linked to the Russian military industry, including manufacturers and suppliers of drones and military equipment used by Russian armed forces in the conflict against Ukraine. Notable entities include:
- Scientific Production Association named after Lavochkin, established by the Russian state corporation Roscosmos
- Rustact LLC
- ASFPV LLC
- IONOS LLC
- Shenzhen Minghuaxin, a Chinese company
- Xinxiang Richful Lubricant Additive Company, one of China’s largest manufacturers and distributors of lubricant additives
- Military Innovation Technopolis ERA and the Foundation for Advanced Research, both established by the Russian government for the development of advanced military drone systems
Measures against the shadow fleet also target Lukoil-West Siberia and several companies based in Russia, Liberia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and Hong Kong.
Furthermore, the European Council has decided to extend the sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, continuing these measures until June 23, 2027.
Both the European Council and the European Commission expect the 21st package of sanctions to be approved before the summer break of EU institutions. However, additional decisions regarding the specific verification mechanism for former Russian combatants may still be required following political agreement.
The European Union has introduced new sanctions against Russia, targeting individuals and entities linked to its military operations in Ukraine. This initiative aims to enhance pressure on Russia's military-industrial complex and restrict its revenue from energy sources.