EU proposes 19th sanctions package on Russia, extends measures on individuals linked to Ukraine war

The European Union is set to propose a 19th package of sanctions targeting Russia’s oil industry and shadow tanker fleet, while also extending its current measures on individuals tied to the ongoing war in Ukraine for another six months.

The European Commission is expected to present a proposal on Wednesday for the 19th sanctions package against Russia in response to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, EU diplomats revealed on Friday. The new package will primarily target Russia’s shadow tanker fleet, banks, and impose further restrictions on the sale of Russian oil. Additionally, Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief diplomat, noted on X that the proposal would consider blacklisting banks in two Central Asian countries and independent Chinese oil refineries.

In parallel, the EU member states agreed to extend sanctions on over 2,500 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine for an additional six months. These sanctions freeze assets and prohibit travel into the EU. While the renewal process has sometimes been contentious, with Hungary frequently requesting delistings, diplomats confirmed that there were no political delistings this time around.

The renewal of sanctions requires unanimous approval from all member states every six months. The EU employs two main frameworks for its sanctions: one targeting individuals and companies, and another addressing sectors such as the price cap on Russian oil and the immobilisation of the country’s central bank assets.

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