Lithuanian MFA reveals what could be included in EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia

Lithuania advocates for expanding sanctions against Russia within the framework of the EU's 17th sanctions package, particularly targeting the state corporation Rosatom and Russian liquefied natural gas.

Budrys emphasized the necessity of these measures amid the ongoing aggression by the Kremlin, highlighting the importance of additional restrictions to exert pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the EU Council meeting in Luxembourg on April 14, Budrys stated that Lithuania is ready to support the 17th sanctions package, including new restrictions on Russian exports and individual sanctions.

One of the key elements of the package is the inclusion of sanctions against Russia’s nuclear energy sector and the shadow fleet, which would provide Europe with additional tools to influence the Kremlin.

The Lithuanian Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of discussing Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, noting that January 1, 2030, is a fully realistic target date for this crucial step.

EU sanctions against Russia

Following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western countries, including the EU, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and others, imposed numerous sanctions on Russia. These sanctions included freezing assets belonging to Russian oligarchs and politicians, restrictions on access to international financial markets, a ban on the export of technology and high-tech goods, and limitations on the import of energy resources from Russia.

Additional sanctions were imposed on Russian banks, complicating their access to the SWIFT system.

On February 24, the EU Council approved the 16th package of sanctions against Russia, which specifically targets the enemy's shadow fleet and banks that are circumventing restrictions.