EU preparing 19th sanctions package against Russia
Photo: Kaja Kallas (Getty Images)
EU member states are working intensively on a new package of sanctions against Russia, but its adoption and effectiveness will require unity within the bloc, stated EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, Welt reports.
Kallas said that work on the 19th sanctions package was ongoing and stressed that the current measures were working, as the Russian economy was struggling under their weight.
She noted that restrictions on Russia’s shadow fleet had already reduced the country’s revenues from oil shipments through the Baltic and Black Seas by 30% in just one week. As a result, Russia had lost billions in income, money no longer available to finance its war machine.
According to Kallas, the new sanctions package could include additional measures against Russia’s energy and financial sectors. She emphasized that different options were under discussion, but ultimately, unity among all 27 EU member states would be needed.
What is known about the 19th sanctions package against Russia
Earlier, it was reported that the European Union is preparing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia since the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine.
In parallel with this process, Ukraine submitted its own proposals to Brussels on what should be included in the new set of restrictions, according to Sanctions Commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk.
The 19th package, expected to be presented in September, will target Russia’s shadow fleet and companies that help Moscow circumvent existing restrictions.
The most painful measures for Moscow could be secondary sanctions against companies or countries doing business with Russia, although the real economic pressure on the Kremlin still largely comes from the United States.
