European Commission EU through its Council on Friday, has decided to impose a sixth package of economic and individual sanctions targeting both Russia and Belarus.
This is in light of Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine and Belarus' support to it, as well as the reported atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine.
While the agreed package includes a series of measures intended to effectively thwart Russian abilities to continue the aggression.
Oil: The EU decided to prohibit the purchase, import or transfer of crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia into the EU. The phasing out of Russian oil will take from six months for crude oil to eight months for other refined petroleum products.
As temporary exception is foreseen for imports of crude oil by pipeline into those EU member states, due to their geographic situation, suffer from a specific dependence on Russian supplies and have no viable alternative options.
Moreover, Bulgaria and Croatia will also benefit from temporary derogations concerning the import of Russian seaborne crude oil and vacuum gas oil respectively.
De-swifting of additional Russian and Belarusian banks: EU is extending the existing prohibition on the provision of specialised financial messaging services (SWIFT) to three additional Russian credit institutions.
Russia's largest bank Sberbank, Credit Bank of Moscow, and Russian Agricultural Bank and the Belarusian Bank For Development And Reconstruction.
Broadcasting: EU is suspending the broadcasting activities in the EU of three more Russian state-owned outlets: Rossiya RTR/RTR Planeta, Rossiya 24 / Russia 24 and TV Centre International.
These structures have been used by Russian Government as instruments to manipulate information, promote disinformation about the invasion of Ukraine, including propaganda, with the aim to destabilise Russia's neighbouring countries and the EU and its member states.
In line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, these measures will not prevent those media outlets and their staff from carrying out activities in the EU other than broadcasting, e.g. research and interviews.
Export restriction: Also, EU is expanding the list of persons and entities concerned by export restrictions regarding dual-use goods and technology. Such additions to the list include both Russian and Belarusian entities.
Moreover, the EU will expand the list of goods and technology which may contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia's defence and security sector, which include 80 chemicals which can be used to produce chemical weapons.
Consulting Services: EU will prohibit the provision of accounting, public relations and consultancy services.
Individual listing: Furthermore, the Council decided to sanction additional individuals and entities: those responsible for the atrocities committed by Russian troops in Bucha and Mariupol.
Personalities supporting the war, leading businesspersons and family members of listed oligarchs and Kremlin officials, companies in the defence and a financial organisation.
As EU resolutely condemned Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, urged Russia to immediately stop its indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
And to immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
"The atrocities being committed by Russian forces and the suffering and destruction being inflicted are unspeakable".
EU called on Russia to allow immediate humanitarian access and the safe passage of all civilians concerned. It also calls on Russia to immediately allow the safe return of Ukrainian individuals forcibly removed to Russia.
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