The EU has formally approved its 17th package of sanctions imposed on Russia over aggression in Ukraine, including measures against almost 200 shadow fleet vessels, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas announced on May 20, APA reports, citing The Kyiv Independent.
"New measures also address hybrid threats and human rights. More sanctions on Russia are in the works," Kallas said on X.
The package was supported by EU ambassadors last week, but has since then been criticized as weak and watered down.
The new sanctions further target members of Russia’s military and political elite and foreign entities in China and the United Arab Emirates, accused of helping the Kremlin evade already-imposed measures.
The EU will also sanction more than 20 entities and individuals disseminating disinformation, and 20 judges and prosecutors involved in legal cases against Russian opposition, specifically Vladimir Kara-Murza and late Alexei Navalny.
The package also targets components vital to Russia’s defense industry, namely chemicals, materials, and dual-use goods.
***13:37
Ukraine, Syria and Middle East on EU Foreign Affairs Council agenda
"The EU Foreign Affairs Council will discuss developments in Ukraine, Syria and the Middle East," said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, ahead of the meeting that the council will also consider suspending the EU-Israel association agreement, APA reports.
Suspension of EU-Israel association agreement to be discussed
She noted that the Council will also discuss the potential suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement.
Kallas emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza: “Humanitarian aid must reach Gaza as soon as possible.”
EU prepares 18th sanctions package against Russia
The EU’s top diplomat added that the bloc would begin drafting an 18th sanctions package immediately after adopting the current one.
“Today we will adopt the 17th sanctions package and immediately begin working on the next one,” she said.
Kallas expressed hope that an agreement on lifting economic sanctions against Syria could also be reached during the meeting.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
