EU Commission: Targeting Russia with 20th Sanctions Package

The European Commission presented its proposal for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, aiming to intensify pressure on Moscow's economy. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen linked the sanctions to Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The package includes measures in the energy sector, with a proposal for a complete ban on the provision of maritime services to ships carrying Russian crude oil. The ban would apply to services such as insurance, chartering, port facilities and technical support. It also proposes adding 43 ships to the list of the so-called "shadow fleet", bringing the total number to 640.

In the financial sector, the Commission proposes adding 20 more Russian regional banks to the sanctions list, as well as measures against cryptocurrency companies and platforms. New trade restrictions are also imposed, with import bans on Russian metals, chemicals and critical minerals worth over €570 million.

Ms. von der Leyen called on member states to approve the new package immediately, ahead of the fourth anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion.

Source: ΚΥΠΕ