Ambassadors from European Union member countries met recently to discuss and approve new sanctions against Russia, amid Moscow’s continued aggression towards Ukraine. This 13th package of sanctions comes in addition to those already in place since the invasion of Ukraine, and targets around 200 entities and individuals. It is interesting to note that these measures do not extend to a new sector, unlike what had been done previously with diamonds.
Many voices within the EU had pleaded in favor of these new sanctions, in particular because of Russia’s persistent aggression, but also following the suspicious death in prison of Russian opponent Alexeï Navalny. The formalization of these new measures is planned before the second anniversary of the Russian invasion, thus marking a renewed desire to respond to Russian actions deemed unacceptable.
A draft text envisages in particular restricting trade between EU companies and certain Chinese companies that have supplied equipment to the Russian army, as well as adding the North Korean defense minister to a blacklist for having sent missiles to Moscow. These measures, once fully approved by the Twenty-Seven, constitute a firm and coordinated response from the EU to the actions of Russia and its allies.
In these troubled times on the international scene, the solidarity of European Union member countries in implementing reinforced sanctions shows the determination to protect European values and security. Let us remain attentive to future developments, as these decisions will undoubtedly have repercussions on global geopolitical relations.
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