Media: EU targets third-country ports in new Russia sanctions proposal

The European Union has proposed broadening its sanctions on Russia to include port facilities in Georgia and Indonesia that handle Russian oil, in what would mark the first time the bloc targets ports located in third countries, according to a proposal document reviewed by Reuters on February 9.

Under the draft measures, the ports of Kulevi in Georgia and Karimun in Indonesia would be added to the EU sanctions list, effectively prohibiting EU companies and individuals from engaging in any transactions with either facility.

The initiative forms part of the EU’s planned 20th sanctions package linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The package was jointly prepared by the EU’s diplomatic service and the European Commission and was presented to member states on February 9. As with all EU sanctions, the measures would require unanimous approval by all member states to enter into force.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said last week that the upcoming package would feature wide-ranging sectoral restrictions and would move away from the Group of Seven price cap mechanism toward a full ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil, according to Reuters.

The draft package also предусматривает new import bans on a range of metals and raw materials. These include nickel bars, iron ores and concentrates, unrefined and processed copper, as well as various types of scrap metal, including aluminium. Other products proposed for prohibition include salt, ammonia, pebbles, silicon, and furskins.

In a first-ever application of the EU’s anti-circumvention instrument against a third country, the proposal would impose restrictions on exports of metal-cutting machinery and communications equipment, such as modems and routers, to Kyrgyzstan.

The EU has also suggested expanding its financial sanctions by adding several banks to its framework. These include Kyrgyz lenders Keremet and OJSC Capital Bank of Central Asia, which are accused of providing crypto-asset services to Russia, as well as banks based in Laos and Tajikistan. At the same time, the proposal would remove two Chinese banks from the sanctions list.

Separately, the European External Action Service proposed asset freezes and travel bans targeting 30 individuals and 64 companies. Among the entities listed are Bashneft, a subsidiary of Rosneft, and eight Russian oil refineries, including the Rosneft-controlled Tuapse and Syzran plants. The proposal does not include Rosneft or Lukoil, which have already been sanctioned by the US.

Earlier, India’s Coast Guard detained three oil tankers that had been sanctioned by the United States for transporting Iranian oil. The interception occurred approximately 160 kilometers west of Mumbai, where Indian authorities stopped the vessels after deeming them suspicious. The ships were identified as STELLAR RUBY (IMO 9555199), ASPHALT STAR (IMO 9463528), and AL JAFZIA (IMO 9171498).

By Tamilla Hasanova