The EU has implemented a new sanctions package targeting Russia's military capabilities.

The EU Council announced that the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes new sanctions, was officially adopted during the meeting of foreign ministers of member states held in Brussels. The statement indicated that the new sanctions package includes economic and individual restrictive measures and aims to further weaken Russia's ability to wage war.

4 INDIVIDUALS AND 30 LEGAL ENTITIES ADDED TO THE SANCTIONS LIST

The statement used the expression, "These measures are designed to target (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's shadow fleet to prevent the circumvention of EU sanctions and to weaken Russia's military and industrial complex." It was noted that 54 individuals and 30 legal entities responsible for actions that undermine or threaten Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence have also been added to the sanctions list.

The statement reported that the military unit responsible for the attack on the children's hospital in Kyiv, senior executives of leading companies in the energy sector, those responsible for the abduction of children and the circumvention of sanctions, as well as two senior North Korean officials have been included in the sanctions list.

RUSSIAN OIL COMPANIES ON THE SANCTIONS LIST

The statement indicated that companies responsible for the maritime transport of crude oil and petroleum products that provide significant revenue to Russia, as well as new Russian defense companies, have also been included in the sanctions list. It was noted that a major Russian civil airline providing logistical support to the Russian army and a chemical plant have also been listed.

The statement expressed that for the first time, comprehensive sanctions including travel bans, asset freezes, and restrictions on the availability of economic resources have been imposed on various Chinese actors supplying drone components and microelectronic components to support Russia.

SANCTIONS ON 52 SHIPS

The statement highlighted that 52 ships have been added to the sanctions list, which includes the EU's port access ban and the prohibition of service provision related to maritime transport. "This measure targets tankers that circumvent Putin's oil price cap mechanism or are part of the shadow fleet supporting Russia's energy sector, as well as ships involved in transporting military equipment to Russia or stolen Ukrainian grain," it stated.

The statement noted that 32 new entities, including companies from China, India, Iran, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates, have been added to the sanctions list, which includes those directly supporting Russia's military and industrial structure. These entities will be subject to stricter export restrictions regarding dual-use goods and technologies that could contribute to Russia.

The statement also mentioned that a step has been taken to protect European companies in lawsuits against Russian firms, and a decision has been made to prohibit the recognition or enforcement of decisions made by Russian courts in the EU.

DID RUSSIA ESTABLISH A SECRET FLEET?

It is claimed that Russia has established a secret shadow fleet consisting of unsuitable and old tankers to secretly transport oil and goods in response to Western sanctions. The EU is trying to take measures against this fleet.

The EU is implementing a wide range of restrictions against Russia due to the war, including trade, finance, energy (including oil and coal), industry, technology, transportation, dual-use and luxury goods, as well as gold and diamonds.

The ban on the shipment of crude oil and some petroleum products from Russia to the EU, the removal of some Russian banks from the international payment system SWIFT, and the suspension of activities of numerous media outlets are also among the sanctions. The EU's sanctions list includes more than 2,300 individuals and entities.