EU approves 16th sanctions package against Russia

Radio Svoboda correspondent Rikard Jozwiak reported this on the social network X.

"The EU has just agreed a new sanctions package on Russia. The 16th since the full scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Formally adopted by EU foreign ministers on Monday," Jozwiak wrote.

According to Interfax, citing a senior European diplomat, the sanctions will be formally approved at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, February 24 — the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The diplomat stressed that they continued to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on the Russian aggressor, stating that it was the right thing to do — defending international rules, protecting order, and upholding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Euronews noted that the sanctions include a ban on the import of primary aluminum, which is sold in the form of ingots, slabs, and billets.

In addition, sanctions are being imposed on 73 vessels of the so-called shadow tanker fleet. The new decision excludes 13 Russian banks from the SWIFT electronic system and suspends the broadcasting licenses of eight Russian media outlets.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal later reported that he had spoken with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk and thanked him for his support for the 16th package of sanctions.

• An emergency summit of European leaders took place in Paris on Monday, February 17, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other EU and European leaders in attendance.