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In light of the escalation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the illegal annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye and Kherson, the Council decided today to introduce a new package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia.
The agreed package includes a series of harsh measures aimed at increasing pressure on the Russian government and economy, weakening Russia’s military capabilities and making the Kremlin pay for the recent escalation.
This new package of sanctions against Russia is proof of our determination to stop Putin’s war machine and respond to his latest escalation with fake “referendums” and the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories. We are further affecting the Russian war economy, limiting Russian import-export capacities, and we are on the fast track to freeing ourselves from Russian energy dependence. We are also targeting those responsible for the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories. The EU will stand by Ukraine as long as necessary.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The package agreed today introduces into the EU legislation the basis for establishing a price cap in connection with maritime traffic Russian oil for third countries and further restrictions on maritime transport of crude oil and oil derivatives third countries.
Specifically, the combination of these measures works as follows. That will be maritime traffic prohibited and to provide technical assistance, intermediary services or financial or financial assistance in connection with maritime transport to third countries crude oil (as of December 2022) or petroleum products (as of February 2023) originating in or exported from Russia. A departure from the price ceiling would allow the provision of transport and these services if oil or petroleum products are purchased at or below a predetermined price. The new ban on EU vessels carrying out maritime transport for such products to third countries will apply from the date the Council unanimously decides to impose a price ceiling. The price cap will drastically reduce the revenue Russia earns from oil after its illegal war against Ukraine inflated global energy prices. An oil price cap can also serve to stabilize global energy prices.
As regards tradeThe EU is expanding import ban on the steel products which either originate from Russia or are exported from Russia. Further import restrictions were imposed wood pulp and paper, cigarettes, plastics and cosmetics as well as elements used in the jewelry industry such as stones and precious metals, which together bring significant income to Russia. Sale, transfer of supply or export of additional goods used in of the aviation sector will also be limited.
The package agreed today also includes:
- sanctioning individuals and subjects who played a role in the organization illegal “referendums”representatives of the defense sectorand well known persons spreading misinformation about the war. The council also decided to expand listing criteria on which specific labels can be based to include the capability to target those who facilitate the circumvention of EU sanctions
- extension to list of prohibited items which can contribute to the military and technological improvement of Russia or the development of its defense and security sector. The list will now include certain electronic components, additional chemicals and goods that can be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
- prohibition of sale, supply, transfer or export civilian firearms and their basic components and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment and spare parts
- ban on EU nationals from holding any functions on governing bodies certain Russian legal entities, entities or bodies owned or controlled by the state
- inclusion in the list of state-owned entities that are subject to the prohibition of transactions Russian Maritime Registera 100% state-owned entity that performs activities related to classification and inspection, including in the field of security, of Russian and non-Russian ships and craft
- a complete ban on providing wallets, accounts or custody services for crypto-assets to Russian persons and residents, regardless of the total value of those crypto-assets
- prohibition of providing architectural and engineering services as well THAT consulting services and legal advice services to Russia
The council also decided that from today the geographic extent of the restrictions introduced on February 23including specifically banning the import of goods from areas under the government control of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts, will be extended to cover also uncontrolled areas areas Zaporozhye and Kherson.
The relevant legal acts will soon be published in the Official Gazette.
Background
On September 21, 2022, despite numerous calls from the international community to Russia to immediately end its military aggression against Ukraine, the Russian Federation decided to further escalate its aggression against Ukraine by supporting the organization of illegal “referendums” in parts of Donetsk. , Kherson, Lugansk and Zaporozhye regions that are currently occupied by Russia. The Russian Federation has also further escalated its aggression against Ukraine with the announcement of mobilization in the Russian Federation and the renewed threat of using weapons of mass destruction.
These illegal “referendums” were strongly condemned on 22 September 2022 by the declaration of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU.
On September 28, 2022, the High Representative issued a declaration on behalf of the EU in which he once again strongly condemns the illegal fake “referendums” and affirms that the EU and their falsified outcome will never recognize them. The EU has called on all UN members to do the same. The High Representative also indicated that all those involved in organizing these illegal fake “referendums”, as well as those responsible for other violations of international law in Ukraine, will be held accountable and that additional restrictive measures will be taken in this regard. against Russia. The High Representative reminded that the Union remains unwavering in its support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and demands that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine as a whole. The High Representative further stated that the Union and its Member States will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to this end, as long as necessary.
On September 30, 2022, the members of the European Council adopted a statement in which they resolutely rejected and unequivocally condemned the illegal annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye and Kherson by Russia. They also state that by deliberately undermining the rules-based international order and blatantly violating Ukraine’s fundamental rights to independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, essential principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, Russia is endangering global security. They called on all states and international organizations to unequivocally reject that illegal annexation and reminded that Ukraine is using its legitimate right to defend itself against Russian aggression in order to regain full control over its territory and that it has the right to liberate the occupied territories within its internationally recognized borders. .
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