The EU adopted its 16th sanctions package against Russia, targeting its economy, shadow fleet, and military sector. New measures restrict financial networks, trade, and media, while expanding energy sanctions.
The EU adopted its 16th sanctions package against Russia on Monday, targeting key sectors of its economy and individuals linked to the war in Ukraine. As the conflict enters its fourth year, EU officials aim to weaken Moscow’s military capabilities.
The new measures affect Russia’s shadow fleet, financial networks, and military-industrial complex. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that each sanction package reduces the Kremlin’s war funds. The EU Council sanctioned 83 individuals and entities undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity and expanded criteria to target ships evading oil sanctions, now restricting 153 vessels.
For the first time, the EU imposed a transaction ban on foreign financial institutions using Russia’s SPFS messaging system and expanded restrictions on 13 regional banks. Additionally, 53 entities supplying Russia’s military sector were sanctioned.
New trade restrictions cover drone technology, chemicals, and software for weapons development. Limits were placed on industrial exports and Russian aluminum imports.
The EU also revoked broadcasting licenses for eight Russian media outlets accused of spreading Kremlin propaganda and tightened restrictions on Russian ports, transport, and aviation.
Energy sanctions were extended, banning software for oil and gas exploration and prohibiting temporary storage of Russian crude in the EU. EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine, with Kallas emphasizing sanctions as a crucial tool in pressuring Moscow.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to res...
Afghanistan and Belarus have agreed to advance joint industrial projects, investment and technical cooperation following talks in Minsk, as Kabul s...
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are drawing up a new programme aimed at boosting bilateral trade to $1 billion by 2030, as the two countries move to deep...
The collective-defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals that regional powers no longer want to rely solely on external security guarantees. Whether it becomes a stabilising deterrent or another axis of rivalry remains unresolved.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment