Latest package takes aim at Russian aluminium industry and tightens restrictions on oil exports

EU capitals have agreed a fresh sanctions package against Russia, as Brussels vows to step up pressure on Moscow and support for Kyiv despite US-led negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

The bloc’s 16th package of sanctions against Russia since it launched its full-scale war takes aim at the country’s aluminium industry and further tightens restrictions on its oil exports.

The sanctions target 13 more banks, 73 more so-called shadow fleet tankers used by Moscow to export crude oil, and a “phased-in” ban on EU countries buying certain types of Russian aluminium products, according to people briefed on its contents.

The package, which the people said was endorsed by ambassadors from all the EU’s 27 countries on Wednesday morning, also targets more individuals and companies deemed to be helping Russia prosecute its war against Ukraine.

This is a developing story

  • FundMECFS@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    16·
    3 days ago

    The package, which the people said was endorsed by ambassadors from all the EU’s 27 countries on Wednesday morning

    How did they get Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria to agree?

    • Saleh@feddit.orgEnglish
      5·
      3 days ago

      Does “endorsed by ambassadors” mean that it will take effect, or could their national governments intervene?

      Assuming it reflects the national positions, i would assume that Russia is not delivering on promises to keep these countries happy with taking a more Russia friendly position, while the looming expansion of Russian control up to their own borders in the case of Ukraine capitulating does give them some colder feet.

      • FundMECFS@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        7·
        3 days ago

        Oh well,

        Hungary negotiated exemptions for Moscow Patriarch Kirill and domestic use of Russian oil products during talks on the EU’s 16th package of sanctions, a Hungarian government spokesperson said on Feb. 19.

        The statement came after EU ambassadors agreed on the next package of sanctions imposed against Russia, targeting aluminum trade and Moscow’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers.

        “These exemptions allow MOL to use refined Russian oil products domestically, remove maintenance equipment for the Druzhba pipeline from sanctions, and ensure Budapest’s metro system can continue receiving necessary servicing and repairs,” spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs said on X.

        https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-says-it-negotiated-exemptions-for-patriarch-kirill