EU approves 8th sanctions package against Russia

This was reported by the European Commission.

"The European Commission welcomes today's agreement by EU member states on the 8th package of sanctions. We will never agree to fake Putin's referendums and any annexation in Ukraine. We are determined to continue making the Kremlin pay," the message reads.

Sanctions also deprive the Russian army and its suppliers of additional goods and equipment necessary for waging war on Ukrainian territory. The package also lays the groundwork for the necessary legislative framework to implement the G7 oil price cap.

Among the most important restrictions is the establishment of a ceiling price for oil. In addition, it is prohibited to import wood, paper, plastic, cigarettes, precious stones, non-ferrous and precious metals, and some other goods from the Russian Federation.

The EU also expanded the ban on the use of cryptocurrencies, which helped circumvent sanctions. Architectural and engineering services, as well as IT consulting services and legal advice, are now prohibited to Russia.

Sanctions were additionally applied to individuals and legal entities. It is about those who are involved in the Russian occupation, attempted illegal annexation, and fictitious "referendums" in the occupied territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. The list also includes natural and legal persons working in the defense sector, such as high-ranking and military officials. And also companies that support the Russian Armed Forces. The EU also continues to prosecute actors who spread disinformation about the war.

Additional export restrictions are aimed at reducing Russia's access to military, industrial and technological goods, as well as its ability to develop the military sector. Along with this, a ban on the export of coal, including coking coal (which is used in Russian industrial enterprises), is introduced.

A ban on the export of small arms and other goods in accordance with the Regulation against torture has also been added.