EU hits Russia with new sanctions, expands pressure on energy and trade

The permanent representatives of the 27 EU member states have officially approved the 16th package of sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

A source in the delegation of one European country to the EU Council confirmed the approval to Russian media, stating that the permanent representatives agreed on new sanctions this morning, per Caliber.Az.

As part of the latest sanctions, EU countries are set to impose a ban on imports of primary aluminium from Russia.

The new sanctions will have a significant impact on Russia’s energy sector. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot explained, “The 16th package of sanctions will primarily target Russia’s energy resources”. He added that the measures would also apply to “certain players in countries that facilitate sanctions evasion.”

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the EU has introduced a series of sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing Russia’s aggression. These sanctions build on restrictions first imposed in 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its failure to uphold the Minsk agreements.

The sanctions target individuals and entities that support, fund, or facilitate actions undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. The EU has imposed asset freezes and travel bans on individuals, while entities face asset freezes as well. In addition to Russia, sanctions have also been imposed on Belarus, Iran, and North Korea for their military support of Russia’s war efforts.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has voiced criticism of the EU’s policies, asserting that they do not align with the interests of European citizens, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Orbán stated, “The majority of people in Europe desire peace, while EU leadership is focused on pursuing a 'war against Russia.'”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also commented on the situation, stating that the EU economy is in a “deplorable state” due to the sanctions.

By Tamilla Hasanova