EU's new Russia sanctions pack a historic punch, von der Leyen says
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (Getty Images)
New European Union sanctions will increase pressure on Russia’s war economy. The aggressor’s shadow fleet will face serious problems as a result, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
On July 23, the EU’s Committee of Permanent Representatives agreed on the content of the new 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
It decided to launch a written procedure later in the day to approve it.
Von der Leyen immediately responded to the move, assessing the progress on the issue.
“I welcome the agreement on the 21st sanctions package against Russia. At a time when Ukraine has built military momentum, our sanctions continue to weaken the economic foundations of Russia’s war effort,” the European Commission chief emphasized.
Von der Leyen also noted that the EU had targeted vessels supporting Russia’s shadow fleet for the first time.
Moreover, Brussels will add another 32 Russian banks to the list subject to a transaction ban, as well as crypto companies and oil trading platforms.
“Freezing the oil price cap adjustment for a year, so that the Russian war machine does not benefit from market shocks,” von der Leyen announced.
She added that the EU had taken an important step toward officially banning Russian combat participants from entering the bloc.
On July 23, EU ambassadors agreed on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
Earlier, we explained why so many members of the bloc are slowing down the adoption of these restrictions.
