EU ambassadors convened on Wednesday and agreed the 16th set of sanctions against Russia, as revealed by EU diplomats. The new measures include banning Russian primary aluminum imports, prohibiting the sale of gaming consoles to Russia, and blacklisting 73 vessels connected to the ‘shadow fleet.’
The EU further seeks to limit Russia’s oil export capabilities and revenue streams by targeting these 73 vessels. The ban on primary aluminum imports impacts key Russian export sectors, while the prohibition on gaming console sales affects Russian consumers.
The latest sanctions from the EU are part of ongoing efforts to restrain Russia’s actions over Ukraine. The EU has already implemented a broad array of sanctions on Russia, including restrictions on trade, finance, and travel. The 16th set of sanctions is expected to be formally approved by the EU Council in the coming days. EU foreign ministers are expected to adopt the package on Monday, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine.
The package largely aligns with the European Commission’s proposal. The aluminum import ban will be gradually implemented over the course of a year following the official adoption of the sanction package by EU. This package will also include sanctions against 48 individuals and 35 entities. The sanctions package will impose asset freezes and travel bans on the targeted individuals and entities. This follows the Trump administration’s agreement to further talks with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
In recent months, the EU and other Western powers have introduced stricter measures to restrict Russia’s oil exports. These include bans on transactions with Russian ports and airports used to bypass the G7 oil price cap, along with vessel restrictions. The latest sanctions will expand the current watchlist of 79 vessels, and ships transporting ammunition from North Korea. The sanctions package also prohibits exports of chromium and certain chemicals, along with implementing a ban on services for oil and gas refineries.
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