The European Union has adopted the 16th package of sanctions against Russia.
48 individuals and 35 organizations have been sanctioned. In addition, the EU Council has established two new criteria that will allow the EU to impose restrictive measures against individuals and organizations involved in Russia’s “shadow fleet”, as well as those who support or benefit from the Russian military-industrial complex.
Restrictions on the import of primary aluminum have also been introduced, as has a ban on temporary storage of Russian crude oil and petroleum products in the EU.
For the first time, a ban has been imposed on transactions for credit or financial institutions outside Russia that use Russia’s Central Bank’s Financial Messaging System.
The media were also sanctioned. The EU Council has decided to suspend the broadcasting licenses of eight Russian media outlets: EADaily, Eurasia Daily, Fondsk, Lenta, NewsFront, RuBaltic, SouthFront and Strategic Culture Foundation. Krasnaya Zvezda is also included in this list.
“Every sanction package deprives the Kremlin of funds to wage war. With talks underway to end Russia’s aggression, we must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage”, said Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
