European Union Approves 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia

The European Union has approved its 19th sanctions package against Russia, announced EU foreign affairs representative Kaya Kallas, as reported by Reuters. According to her, the restrictions will target Russian banks, cryptocurrency exchange platforms, and companies in India and China.

The EU will also limit the movement of Russian diplomats to counter destabilization efforts.

The sanctions will target 45 organizations that have helped Russia evade sanctions, including 12 companies in China and Hong Kong. The re-insurance of Russian ships and aircraft will be prohibited. Furthermore, there will be a ban on transactions with five Russian banks, and the prohibition on Russian electronic payment systems in Belarus and Kazakhstan will be expanded to include third-country banks.

According to the agency, the package includes a ban on liquefied natural gas imports starting in 2027 and sanctions against an additional 117 vessels of a "shadow fleet." The EU will also tighten the ban on transactions with two major Russian oil companies, whose names have not been disclosed.

It is worth noting that the United States has imposed sanctions on "LUKOIL" and "Rosneft."