EU adopts 15th sanctions package targeting Russia, China, and North Korea

The European Council website reported the information.

“These measures are designed to address the circumvention of EU sanctions through targeting of Putin’s shadow fleet and weaken Russia’s military and industrial complex,” the statement says.

Specifically, the restrictive measures were imposed against the leadership of the military unit responsible for striking the Okhmadyt children hospital in Kyiv, senior executives from leading energy sector companies, individuals involved in child deportations and propaganda, as well as two high-ranking North Korean officials.

Regarding legal entities, the EU imposed sanctions on Russian defense and shipping companies responsible for transporting crude oil and oil products by sea, which generate revenue for Russia. The sanctions also targeted a chemical plant and a civilian Russian airline, which is “an important provider of logistical support to the Russian military.”

In addition, for the first time, the European Union imposed full sanctions - travel bans, asset freezes, and restrictions on providing economic resources - on Chinese entities supplying components for drones and microelectronics to support Russia's war against Ukraine.

The EU also added new vessels to the list subject to bans on access to ports and restrictions on a wide range of services related to maritime transport. This includes vessels that evade the oil price cap mechanism, support Russia’s energy sector, or are involved in transporting stolen Ukrainian grain.

“52 vessels originating from third countries were targeted today on these grounds, bringing the total of designated vessels to 79,” reads the statement.

The Council also added 32 new entities to the list of those directly supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine.

“Some of these entities are located in third countries (China, India, Iran, Serbia and the United Arab Emirates) and have been involved in the circumvention of trade restrictions or have engaged in the procurement of sensitive items used for Russian military operations, like UAVs and missiles,” the EU Council added.

• On December 11, European Union ambassadors agreed on the 15th sanctions package in response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.