The adoption of the European Union’s 21st sanctions package has once again confirmed Brussels’ ability to find compromises and continue pressure on the Russian Federation, despite internal disagreements and attempts by some countries to maintain economic benefits from the transportation of Russian oil and gas.
This was stated in a comment to Suspilne by Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the President of Ukraine’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy.
"The main conclusion of the adopted 21st sanctions package is that the European Union has once again proven its ability to reach compromises and continue to exert pressure. Of course, there were disputes: some partners once again tried to politicize their profits from the logistics of Russian energy carriers (particularly regarding LNG transportation). Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church and the founder of Lukoil, Vagit Alekperov, were also removed from the final draft," said Vlasiuk.
Despite this, according to him, "key and principled issues were successfully defended." In particular, the new EU sanctions list includes the following items:
- Frozen oil price cap (44.1 dollars per barrel). Due to rising global prices, an automatic formula could have raised the limit, but the EU has suspended this review for a year "to prevent the Kremlin from earning more," Vlasiuk explained.
- Shadow fleet: The list has been expanded with an additional 50 vessels. For the first time, related infrastructure – fuel tankers (bunkeringBunkering is the process of supplying vessels with fuel (liquid, solid, or gaseous) and lubricants. In a broader sense, it can also mean replenishing fresh water and provisions, and in some industries (e.g., construction or agriculture) – loading bulk materials into special bunkers.), ports, nuclear power plants (NPPs), and refineries that service or process Russian oil are also subject to restrictions. Separately, in a compromise format, rules were adopted regarding liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the resale of vessels – in particular, an exception was made for the transportation of certain volumes of gas from "YamalYamal LNG is one of Russia’s most powerful liquefied natural gas plants, located in the Arctic." to China.
- Financial sector. Bans on transactions with an additional 90 banks, crypto platforms, and oil traders in third countries have been expanded. For the first time, there is a possibility to completely block crypto services used to circumvent sanctions outside the EU.
- Military-industrial complex and trade. The export of ground equipment for UAVs, electronic warfare systems, as well as certain metals and alloys has been prohibited.
- Personal restrictions and combatantsIndividuals who are part of the armed forces of warring parties and have the legal right to directly participate in combat operations. According to the norms of international humanitarian law, they are legitimate military targets for the enemy, but in case of capture, they are entitled to prisoner of war status.. Sanctions have been imposed on almost 250 individuals and legal entities. Additionally, for the first time, a ban on entry into the EU has been introduced for Russian military personnel who directly participated in the war against Ukraine.
Vlasiuk emphasized that a significant portion of the new restrictions are based on "direct results of analysis and work" by the Ukrainian team. According to him, Kyiv has consistently provided partners with analytics on priority targets, evidence of sanctions circumvention through third countries, and data on foreign components in Russian armaments.
"We thank our partners for their work and systematic support. We are already working on the 22nd package and specific focused decisions – particularly regarding those involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children and the organizers of pseudo-elections in the occupied territories," added the President of Ukraine’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy.
We remind you that on July 23, an EU diplomat informed Suspilne that ambassadors of the European Union member states had reached a political agreement on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia. Previously, it was blocked by Greece.
Source: suspilne.media