The European Union has introduced its 15th package of restrictive measures aimed at curbing Russia’s ability to sustain its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. The new measures, announced by the Council today, intensify pressure on Russia’s military and industrial infrastructure, targeting entities and individuals complicit in enabling the conflict.
Targeting Circumvention and Support Networks
This sanctions package takes decisive steps to counter the circumvention of EU restrictions. A key focus is on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which facilitates oil transportation, evades the oil price cap mechanism, and supports the energy sector funding the Russian government. The Council has added 52 non-EU vessels to its list of restricted ships, bringing the total number of targeted vessels to 79. These measures also extend to ships involved in transporting military equipment for Russia or stolen Ukrainian grain.
For the first time, sanctions have been imposed on non-Russian entities, including Chinese companies supplying components such as drones and microelectronics used by the Russian military. Other targeted entities are based in India, Iran, Serbia, and the UAE, reflecting the EU’s broader effort to disrupt global networks aiding Russia’s war effort.
Sanctions on Individuals and Entities
The Council agreed to list 84 individuals and entities under the sanctions regime. These include military personnel linked to the bombing of the Okhmadyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, executives in Russia’s energy sector, individuals responsible for propaganda and the deportation of children, as well as the Minister of Defence and the Deputy Chief of General Staff of North Korea.
Sanctioned entities include Russian defence companies, a chemical plant, and a civil airline supporting military logistics. The measures impose asset freezes and travel bans, and prohibit making economic resources available to these individuals and entities.
Trade and Export Restrictions
The package introduces tighter restrictions on goods and technologies that can enhance Russia’s defence capabilities. Thirty-two entities supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex are now subject to these controls. These restrictions aim to prevent the procurement of sensitive items used in Russian military operations, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles.
Safeguarding European Interests
To protect EU businesses, the Council has prohibited the recognition or enforcement of Russian court rulings under Article 248 of Russia’s Arbitration Procedure Code. These rulings, often used to penalise European companies with high financial penalties, contravene international principles.
The package also includes provisions allowing EU central securities depositories to request unfreezing of cash balances held in Russia to meet their obligations. Furthermore, deadlines for derogations facilitating divestment from Russia have been extended. This is designed to ensure EU businesses can exit the Russian market in an orderly manner, mitigating risks associated with continued operations.
Unity and Continued Support for Ukraine
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, reiterated the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine across humanitarian, economic, political, and military domains.
“This package of sanctions is part of our response to weaken Russia’s war machine and those who enable this war, including Chinese companies,” Kaja Kallas stated. “There can be no doubt that Ukraine will win.”
The measures reflect the unity of EU member states in backing Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The European Council’s October 2024 conclusions affirmed the EU’s resolve to provide sustained support to Ukraine and to limit Russia’s capacity to wage war.
Legal Implementation and Outlook
The relevant legal acts underpinning the sanctions have been published in the Official Journal of the EU, ensuring immediate implementation. The EU stands prepared to adopt further measures should Russia’s aggression persist.
As the war endures, the EU continues to assert that the sanctions are not merely punitive but are part of a broader strategy to uphold international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
