Europe may finally hit Russia with secondary sanctions — Bloomberg
Photo: The EU is discussing secondary sanctions against Russia (Getty Images)
The European Union is considering imposing secondary sanctions against Russia to prevent third countries from helping it circumvent existing restrictions, according to Bloomberg.
According to the agency's sources, EU foreign ministers will discuss the use of an anti-circumvention tool at a meeting in Copenhagen at the end of the week.
This tool was adopted in 2023 but has not yet been used. It provides for a ban on the export, supply, or transfer of certain goods to third countries that are believed to contribute to the circumvention of EU sanctions.
The relevant discussions will continue against the backdrop of preparations for the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia. It will include new sanctions against those involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children.
Separately, EU foreign ministers will discuss additional sanctions against Russia's oil and gas and financial sectors and the import and export of Russian goods. These discussions will be informal and will not focus directly on the new package of sanctions.
EU sanctions against Russia
The European Union is preparing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Against this backdrop, Ukraine has submitted its proposals to Brussels on what should be included in the new list of restrictive measures, according to Vladyslav Vlasyuk, the EU's sanctions coordinator.
The 19th package of sanctions, which is to be presented in September, is aimed at the shadow fleet and companies that help Russia circumvent restrictions.
The most painful for Moscow may be secondary sanctions - against companies or countries that do business with Russia, but the real impact on the Kremlin's economy is being made by the United States.
