What’s in EU’s 6th package of anti-Russian sanctions? — Analysis
Brussels wants to support Ukraine by imposing an oil embargo and increasing censorship.
The European Union’s governing body has published a list of new sanctions against Moscow, accusing Russia of a “continuing war of aggression against Ukraine.”This sixth set of restrictions, which began in February, includes an embargo phased on oil imports as well as restrictions against Russian banks and broadcasters. Also, there is a blacklisting for people that Brussels has accused of war crimes.
The Council of the European Union officially announced the sanctions package on Friday. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said the move is intended to limit Russia’s “ability to finance the war”Ban “disinformation actors.”
Oil embargo
EU nations have 6 months to stop Russian crude oil imports, and 8 months to cease imports. “other refined petroleum products.”You will find a “temporary exception”Unspecified length for members states who, “due to their geographic situation, suffer from a specific dependence on Russian supplies and have no viable alternative options.”Although none of these countries were mentioned, Hungary and Austria were previously mentioned.
Bulgaria and Croatia also received this award “temporary derogations”So they can import Russian again “seaborne crude oil and vacuum gas oil,” respectively.
SWIFT banking blockade
EU also blocked access to three other banks in Russia, and one in Belarus via the SWIFT international payment protocol. The ban affects Russia’s largest bank Sberbank, Credit Bank of Moscow, and the Russian Agricultural Bank, as well as the Belarusian Bank for Development and Reconstruction.
Media censorship
Three Russian media outlets were also sanctioned by Brussels, which it called “unfair”. “state-owned,”Prosecuted for being “instruments to manipulate information and promote disinformation,”As well “propaganda” To “destabilize”Ukraine and the EU
Russia 24 and RTR Planeta – parts of the VGTRK public broadcasting service – as well as Moscow city broadcaster TV Centre will be banned from broadcasting activities, though their staff can still conduct research and interviews.
Additional restrictions and bans
EU entities and individuals are no longer allowed to provide consulting or accounting services in Russia. A ban on the import of 80 chemicals is being implemented by the bloc. “which can be used to produce chemical weapons,”Increasing the number of goods and technologies that can be dual-used in Russian security and defense sectors.
A new list will be available of persons and entities. “personalities supporting the war,”Family members of officials and defense companies as well as individuals the EU claims are responsible for the atrocities committed in Bucha or Mariupol by Russian troops.
On Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that European restrictions could have devastating consequences for the bloc. According to the ministry, Russia will resist the Western pressure, which will most likely harm citizens in EU countries.
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