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This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by ANSA.

The EU strengthens sanctions on Moscow and targets China

by AI | 19.Dec 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The EU increases pressure on Russia by officially approving the 15th sanctions package and the first restrictive measures to respond to the Kremlin’s destabilizing activities.

Kaja Kallas. Photo: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP/dpa

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Brussels (ANSA) – For the first time ever, the EU Council has decided to impose restrictive measures against 16 individuals and three entities in response to Russia’s destabilizing activities against the EU, its Member States, and its partners. The designations also include Unit GRU 29155, a secret unit of the Russian military intelligence agency (GRU), known for its involvement in foreign assassinations and destabilizing activities such as bombings and cyber attacks across Europe, and some of its military personnel active in Ukraine, Western Europe, and Africa.

The EU also officially approved the 15th sanctions package and, for the first time, includes in the blacklist Chinese individuals and companies responsible for contributing to the invasion of Ukraine. The package targets, among various things, 52 new ships of the Russian shadow fleet bringing the total number to 79: these (non-EU) vessels are subject to a port access ban and a service supply ban, in order to counter the evasion of trade sanctions on oil.

The blacklist also includes Russian military companies producing aircraft parts, drones, electronics, engines, high-tech weapon components, and other military equipment, as well as senior executives of companies active in the Russian energy sector that provide significant revenues to the Kremlin. “Our message is clear: you cannot fuel the conflict in Europe and not face the consequences,” said the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas (December 16).

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