The EU Has Published New Sanctions against Russia and China
The European Union has released its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which for the first time includes Chinese banks as well as a number of Belarusian defense enterprises. This decision was officially published on July 19 in the Official Journal of the EU.
The new sanctions list includes 22 Russian banks, such as T-bank, Saint Petersburg Bank, Yandex Bank, CentrKredit Bank, Surgutneftegazbank, Metkombank, and others. The European Union has also imposed restrictions against two Chinese banks - Heihe Rural Commercial Bank and Heilongjiang Suifenhe Rural Commercial Bank - for providing cryptocurrency services that helped evade existing sanctions.
Additionally, the list includes eight Belarusian companies operating in the defense industry, including Belvneshservice, KB 'Unmanned Helicopters', Legmash Plant, Vistan, as well as the Scientific and Technical Center 'LEMT' BelOMO and other organizations related to weapon production.
Measures Against Structures Supporting the Defense Industry
The European Union has expanded restrictions against structures that support the defense industry of Russia. The list has included 26 new entities involved in the development and supply of weapons. The sanctions list includes 14 individuals and 41 organizations that, according to the official statement, are related to actions threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.
In total, the number of individuals affected by EU sanctions has exceeded 2500. The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaia Kalas, emphasized that this package is one of the toughest to date. According to her, each new sanction reduces Russia's ability to conduct war, and Europe does not intend to back down in its support for Ukraine. Pressure on Moscow will continue until Russia halts its aggression.
Further measures by the European Union aim to strengthen sanctions against Russia and its supporters, especially regarding the defense industry. These actions are part of a strategy to support Ukraine and defend the territorial integrity of the country. Moreover, the number of sanctioned individuals and companies confirms the seriousness of the EU's response to Russia's actions.