The Council of the European Union on Monday, December 16, approved the 15th package of economic and individual restrictive measures against Russia in connection with its war against Ukraine
These measures aim to address the issue of circumventing EU sanctions and to weaken the Russian military-industrial complex (MIC), according to a statement from the EU Council.
“This sanctions package is part of our response aimed at weakening the Russian war machine and those who support this war, including Chinese companies. It demonstrates the unity of EU member states in our continued support for Ukraine. Our immediate priority is to strengthen Ukraine’s positions,” emphasized EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaia Kallas.
In particular, sanctions have been imposed against 54 individuals and 30 organizations deemed “responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine,” as reported by dw.com.
As for individuals, the EU is imposing sanctions against “the military unit responsible for the shelling of the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv, top executives of leading companies in the energy sector, individuals responsible for the deportation of children, propaganda, and circumvention routes, as well as two high-ranking officials from North Korea.”
Regarding legal entities, the EU has imposed sanctions primarily against Russian defense and shipping companies “responsible for transporting crude oil and petroleum products by sea, which provide significant revenues to the Russian government.”
“The list also includes a chemical plant, a civil Russian airline that is an important supplier of logistical support for the Russian military. For the first time, comprehensive sanctions (travel bans, asset freezes, prohibition of providing economic resources) are being imposed against various Chinese entities supplying components for drones and microelectronic components to support Russian aggression against Ukraine,” the statement reads.