European Commission clarifies frozen Russian assets not part of 18th sanctions package

European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho has clarified that the issue of using Russia’s frozen assets is not under consideration as part of the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia.

At a press conference in Brussels, Pinho addressed questions from reporters regarding the potential inclusion of frozen Russian assets in the upcoming sanctions, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“The President of the European Commission has already announced some elements [being discussed as part of the 18th sanctions package], and frozen assets were not among them,” she stated, emphasizing that there were no current plans to involve the frozen assets in the new sanctions package.

This clarification comes amid ongoing discussions within the European Union regarding additional punitive measures against Russia. Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed that the 18th sanctions package would focus on several key areas, including measures related to oil, a reduction in the price cap for Russian oil, and new restrictions aimed at Russia’s shadow fleet, which continues to circumvent sanctions.

The EU’s 17th sanctions package, which was approved earlier this week, targeted 17 individuals and 58 organizations linked to Russia, as well as 189 tankers that have been used to transport Russian oil and oil products, defying EU-imposed price caps.

By Vafa Guliyeva