The EU Council on Monday adopted the single largest set of sanctions listings ever agreed by the EU, in response to Russia’s continued and escalating aggression against Ukraine and its targetting of civilians.
“Today the EU adopted the largest round of sanctions listings since 2022. Close to 1600 listings target Russia’s military-industrial complex”, said the EU’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas: “Over half address the production chain for the ballistic missiles Russia uses to kill Ukrainian civilians every day. Bombing Kyiv’s bridges, ships transporting grain, and the National Academy of Sciences are not the actions of a country seeking peace. This is not the time to ease pressure on Moscow but to increase it.”
The restrictive measures are against 1,569 individuals and entities in Russia’s military and industrial complex, and include include 826 Russian companies and 743 individuals serving as CEOs of these companies.
The move brings the total number of listings under the sanctions regime supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity to close to 4,600.
The EU’s package specifically targets mid-level suppliers that represent the “core” of the Russian military industry, generating an annual turnover of at least €20 billion and employing more than 250 000 people.
The listed companies are suppliers of key components to some of Russia’s most advanced weapons systems including missiles, UAVs and aircraft. Such key components include: electronics, including semiconductors, microcircuits and computers; communication equipment including radars, antennas and transceivers; aviation, satellite and missile systems; explosives and ammunition and optics and navigation systems.
The package was adopted under the EU’s restrictive measures framework targeting actions undermining or threatening Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. Those listed under this sanctions’ regime are subject to an asset freeze and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit is prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed.
In conclusions of 18 and 19 June this year, the European Council reaffirmed its continued firm and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Council stated that the EU will continue to provide, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.
