EU to begin drafting new sanctions against Russia next week, reports say
Photo: the EU will start preparing new sanctions against the Russian Federation next week (flick com libereurope)
The European Commission will begin preparing new sanctions against Russia next week, aiming to approve the package on the third anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine, reports RMF FM.
According to European diplomats, starting next Tuesday, January 14, the European Commission will begin consultations with EU countries on the 16th sanctions package against Russia.
EU ambassadors will present their proposals and concerns regarding the upcoming sanctions package. Only after this will the European Commission present its proposals, which must be supported by all EU members.
Poland, holding the EU presidency, wants the new sanctions package to be approved on the third anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, February 24, 2025.
The publication notes that negotiations on the sanctions will be difficult. Slovakia and Hungary are likely to block the new package.
Sanctions against Russia
It is worth recalling that the EU approved the 15th sanctions package against Moscow on December 15 of last year. The sanctions list included 54 individuals and 30 organizations from Russia, China, and North Korea.
The sanctions were imposed on Russia’s "shadow fleet" and energy sector, as well as Russians involved in the attack on the Okhmatdyt hospital and the deportation of Ukrainian children.
As reported, the European Union aims to announce the 16th sanctions package against Russia on the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.
Additionally, the US and the UK imposed sanctions on Russian oil service companies, namely Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, on January 10.
