EU considers first-ever sanctions on Kazakhstan over supplies to Russia

The European Union is considering imposing sanctions on Kazakhstan for the first time due to the country’s exports of certain goods to Russia, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.

According to the report, the EU is exploring the use of its “anti-circumvention tool” against Kazakhstan. This could include banning imports of specific equipment that, according to EU trade data, continues to be redirected in large volumes to Russia, where it is reportedly used in weapons production.

The application of this tool requires extensive evidence and, like all EU sanctions, must receive the support of member states, Bloomberg notes.

The EU is also reportedly reviewing new sanctions against several Russian banks and energy companies as part of the latest round of measures aimed at pressuring President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

By Khagan Isayev