EU’s 19th sanctions package targets Russia, Central Asian banks included

The European Union has approved its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, expanding restrictions to Russian companies and banks, as well as businesses in Central Asia, China, India, and Thailand, according to the Official Journal of the EU.

The new measures list 21 individuals and 42 legal entities suspected of helping Russia circumvent previous sanctions. Among those affected are companies and banks from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, which are now barred from conducting transactions with European partners and accessing international payment systems.

Kyrgyz banks Tolubay and Eurasian Savings Bank, along with Tajik banks Dushanbe City Bank, Spitamen, and Commercial Bank of Tajikistan, are included in the sanctions. These restrictions are set to take effect on November 12, while measures targeting the Payeer payment service will come into force on November 25.

The package also extends to five Russian banks, cryptocurrency exchanges, and oil traders operating through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, the UAE, Paraguay, and Hong Kong.

In addition, the EU has broadened its list of restricted exports to Russia. The new prohibitions now include roses, rhododendrons, azaleas, and various plant materials such as foliage, tree branches, parts of plants, grasses, mosses, and lichens.

The EU said the expanded sanctions aim to further curb Russia’s ability to bypass existing restrictions while tightening economic pressure amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine.

By Vugar Khalilov