EU sanctions drain Kremlin, Kallas says as losses mount
Head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas (Photo: Vitalii Nosach / RBC-Ukraine)
The EU is preparing new sanctions against 80 Russian organizations and individuals who support the war against Ukraine. The new restrictions are intended to increase financial pressure on the aggressor and boost its economic losses, reports Al Jazeera.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced the expansion of the EU sanctions list against the Russian military-industrial complex and propagandists. According to her, the aggressor's losses have already reached $1.5 trillion.
But Brussels will not stop and plans to significantly expand the list of entities to be targeted. Kallas made this statement in Cyprus after an informal meeting of EU defense ministers.
According to Kallas, sanctions are working — Putin is losing money, people, and momentum. That is why Russia is intensifying its attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
"Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia’s war economy," the head of European diplomacy emphasized.
The number of sanctioned entities is constantly growing. As early as March, the EU expanded restrictions to include 2,600 individuals and legal entities. Brussels' policy remains unchanged: assets are frozen, and financing of the war machine is cut off.
Funding weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and new approaches
The meeting of defense ministers also discussed the fate of a €6.6 billion fund intended for military aid to Ukraine. Previously, these funds were used only to reimburse countries for the cost of weapons already delivered, but now Kallas proposes using this money for:
- Financing joint purchases of new weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- Direct military aid from the European Union.
The EU is trying to act independently, as this is becoming critically important amid the weakening position of the US. Europe aims to ensure stable support for Kyiv and to prevent Moscow from regaining military superiority, Kallas stated.
What else is known about sanctions against Russia
The EU is now rushing to adopt a new, 21st package of sanctions against Russia. It will target oil companies and the shadow fleet.
Back in April, the EU approved the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions, the most extensive in the last two years. The restrictions affect the energy sector, the military-industrial complex, and the financial sector.
Europe has imposed new sanctions against Russian officials and organizations involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children and their subsequent ideological indoctrination.
