The European Council has approved a new sanctions package aimed at further constraining Russia’s military-industrial complex and curtailing its revenue from energy sources. This decision coincides with ongoing efforts to finalize a broader 21st sanctions package against Russia.
This latest set of sanctions includes restrictive measures against 34 individuals and 47 entities. It specifically targets those involved in supporting Russia’s military operations and its supply chains, particularly in relation to drone and military equipment production.
Among those affected are the Lavochkin Association, linked to the Russian state corporation Roscosmos, as well as Chinese firms Shenzhen Minghuaxin and Xinxiang Richful Lubricant Additive Company. Additional sanctions focus on the ERA military innovation technopolis and the Russian Foundation for Advanced Research, both of which are involved in developing advanced drone technologies for military applications.
The sanctions also encompass two individuals, Tahir Garayev and Konstantin Rogach, along with 24 entities connected to the transportation and export of crude oil and petroleum products from Russia, particularly through its shadow fleet. This includes companies like Lukoil-West Siberia and various firms based in Russia, Liberia, Turkey, the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Hong Kong.
Furthermore, the sanctions list now features 10 individuals and one organization, including Russian propagandists responsible for external information manipulation. Notable names include Anatoly Kuzichov, Kirill Fedorov, Roman Antonovsky, and Maria Volkonskaya, the editor-in-chief of the state-controlled Crimean Gazette. These individuals are implicated in disseminating disinformation aimed at justifying Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The European Council has also sanctioned one organization and 15 individuals, including Russian judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement personnel involved in the persecution and poisoning of Alexei Navalny.
Earlier on the same day, the Council imposed sanctions on six additional individuals linked to actions undermining the sovereignty and independence of Moldova.
It is worth noting that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia on June 9, which includes measures such as a travel ban for former Russian combatants who fought against Ukraine.
The European Council has enacted a new sanctions package targeting Russia's military capabilities and propaganda efforts, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to hold the country accountable for its actions in Ukraine. This package adds to previous sanctions and aims to further restrict Russia's military-industrial complex and energy revenues.