The European Union He has launched a strong political and economic offensive against Kremlin by approving a New and robust sanctions packagenumber 17, in a effort to force Vladimir Putin to negotiate a lasting peace with Ukraine. The decisions taken at the recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Council, held in Brussels, mark a turning point in the European strategy towards Russia.
The first blow is represented by the 17th package of sanctions itself, considered one of the most ambitious to date. It highlights the Expansion of restrictions against the so -called ‘Shadow Fleet’, A network of ships used by Russia to avoid international oil sanctions.
The list of sanctioned ships has increased to 342of which 189 have been recently identified. These ships have Prohibited access to EU ports and receive European servicesalso affecting the maritime operators involved.
The second component of the package is the Inclusion of 75 new people and entities in the lists of sanctionsmany of them involved in the looting of Ukrainian heritage and the transport of stolen agricultural products From occupied territories. Among them stands out the Russian oil company Surgutneftegazalso objective of sanctions by the US and the United Kingdom since January.
The third axis of this triple blow is the adoption of three additional decisions of specific sanctions: one by Violations of human rights, another for use of Chemical weapons And one more for Hybrid warfocused on misinformation. In the latter area, figure Viktor Medvedchukthe controversial ally of Putin, who now appears twice in the sanctioning lists of the EU, accusing him, together with his partners, of Use Ukrainian media to dissemin.
“It is not just propaganda. These measures cover from cyber attacks to industrial espionage”European diplomatic sources. In addition, companies like Norebo JSC y Murman Sea Food of the cycle sanctioned by alleged sabotage activities against Western critical infrastructure.
More “painful” sanctions if Russia does not want peace
From European diplomacy a 18th Package of sanctionswhich would include hardening in the Russian crude price limitnew Measures against the shade fleety SANCTIONS TO FINANCIAL ENTITIES that collaborate the Kremlin.
“It is time to increase the pressure on Russia to achieve a high fire”has recently declared Ursula von der Leyen After talking with the Ukrainian president, Volodímir Zelenski. According to her, the 18th package of sanctions against Russia will have “More painful restrictions”.
Kaia KallasChief of European diplomacy, summarized the spirit of the day: “If Russia does not seek peace, Europe must act more strongly. The sanctions have an impact. And we need more”. Although consensus will not be easy, especially with Hungary or Slovakia as potential obstacles, Brussels seems determined to advance.
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