EU approves a package of sanctions against Russia

The European Union has approved the fifteenth package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. In particular, measures aimed at the "shadow fleet" come into effect.

This was reported on the European Council's page on X on Monday, December 16.

Sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet

The new sanctions list includes 54 individuals and 30 organizations from Russia, China, and North Korea that "pose a threat to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine". Among the restrictions, one of the key ones is measures against the Russian shadow fleet.

The sanctions targeted top executives of Russia's leading energy companies, individuals involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, propaganda, and sanctions circumvention. In addition, two high-ranking officials of the DPRK were sanctioned.

The EU also imposed sanctions against 52 vessels from third countries that were used to circumvent the restrictive measures imposed before. This brought the total number of sanctioned vessels to 79.

The list includes a chemical plant and a Russian civilian airline that provides important logistical support to the Russian military.

Chinese companies and sanctions

For the first time, full-fledged sanctions have been imposed on Chinese companies that supply components for drones and microelectronics. Such actions fuel Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Companies from India, Iran, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates were subject to restrictions for participating in the circumvention of sanctions or purchasing goods that Russia used in its war against Ukraine.

Among other things, the sanctions list includes a military unit of the Russian army that attacked the Okhmadyt children's hospital in Kyiv.

The document is to be published in the EU's Official Journal on December 16. After that, it will enter into force.

Earlier, we told you that Russia continues to experience significant economic pressure due to the hostilities against Ukraine. This is due to the costs of the war, labor shortages, and widespread corruption, which are posing serious challenges to the Russian economy and defense industry.

As a reminder, a recent ISW report revealed that Vladimir Putin is lying to Russians about the real state of the Russian economy.