President of Ukraine reports on latest sanctions on Russia
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The key priorities of the new package of sanctions against Russia will be restrictions on the banking sector and the shadow fleet infrastructure, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"After yesterday’s deliberate incursion of 19 Russian drones into EU territory, the best response would be a strong 19th EU sanctions package. Work on this package is now underway," Zelenskyy says.
According to him, the main priorities are the banking sector and banks in countries that continue to trade with Russia, as well as the infrastructure of the shadow fleet that fills the budget of the Russian war: ship captains, insurers, terminals used for oil shipments, and market operators who tolerate Russian schemes.
"We are also preparing a European anti-circumvention tool to block Russia’s access to critical goods and shut down schemes designed to bypass sanctions. Consultations between the EU and the U.S. are ongoing to combine the full weight of sanctions pressure, especially against Russian energy revenues," the head of state adds.
Synchronization of sanctions
The President of Ukraine also stresses that the synchronization of sanctions is continuing. As of yesterday, British sanctions against Russia and related entities have come into force in Ukraine.
Canada's sanctions and 18 packages of European Union sanctions have also been synchronized in Ukraine. The next stage is Japan's sanctions, and we will complete synchronization this month.
"Together with partners, we are working on further synchronization across jurisdictions. Since the start of this year, Ukraine has adopted 44 sanctions packages against Russian entities, their foreign enablers, and individuals fueling the war," the President of Ukraine adds.
According to him, Ukrainian sanctions include restrictions against the Russian military-industrial complex, schemes for supplying critical components to Russia, Russian budget revenues, and against individuals who promote war or spread Russian influence.
Background
A team of European officials will meet with their US counterparts to discuss further sanctions pressure on Russia.
Before this, European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen stressed that the European Union should completely abandon the purchase of Russian energy resources and not resume supplies even after the end of the war.
According to him, Washington holds a similar position and also advocates a complete cessation of Russian oil and gas imports.
In addition, Brussels is continuing to work on a 19th package of sanctions against Russia.
