EU plans to impose new sanctions against Russia on February 24: Details
Photo: the details of the new sanctions list against the Russian Federation, which is being prepared by the European Union, became known (Getty Images)
The European Union is preparing to impose further restrictions on Russia due to its large-scale military aggression against Ukraine. The new "blacklist" is planned to be announced on February 24, marking the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion, informs EUobserver.
According to several EU diplomats in conversation with journalists, the sanctions list will include "several dozen" Russian and Belarusian military personnel involved in combat actions against Ukraine. "Mini-sanctions" will also be imposed on Russian citizens involved in the illegal deportation and abduction of Ukrainian children.
The "blacklist" is said to mention several non-EU companies assisting Russia in obtaining prohibited weapon components despite international sanctions.
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whose services compiled the new restrictive list on Russia, informed the European Parliament about the imposition of sanctions on the "symbolic" day of February 24.
Embassies of the EU in Brussels will begin negotiations on the list this Thursday. The publication notes that it did not include "any major items, such as new EU embargoes on Russian metals, liquefied gas, or nuclear companies, as it needed quick approval" after the introduction of the 12th package of sanctions against Russia on December 19 and before the date of February 24.
The EU Commission prepared the "blacklist" after consultations with member states over the weekend.
Questions regarding the introduction of the 13th package of sanctions against Russia
It was previously reported that the European Union has initiated discussions on a new package of sanctions, which it intends to approve by February 24, 2024.
Possible sanctions were discussed on January 18 at a meeting of EU ambassadors, where member states debated on how best to support Ukraine in the long term. However, reaching an agreement on the 13th package of sanctions by next month will be challenging, as the latest demands weeks of negotiations, according to Bloomberg.
In turn, the Ukrainian side urged the EU to focus on sanctions to prevent the entry of high-tech Western components into the hands of the Russian army.
Western media previously reported that European aluminum producers, supported by four EU countries, insist on the European Union imposing an embargo on the cheap import of this metal from Russia as part of the anticipated sanctions package, which marks two years since the invasion of Ukraine.
