The European Union imposed a new package of sanctions on Russia on Friday, targeting dual-use technology and the transport of Russian goods. Photo by Nick Bothma/EPA-EFE Archive
June 23 (UPI) — The European Union on Friday adopted the eleventh package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a ban on the transit of some goods passing through Russia and provisions to cut off exports to third-party countries that transfer technology to Russia.
“In order to further reduce the risk of circumvention of sanctions, today’s decision prohibits further transit of goods and technology through the territory of Russia that may contribute to strengthening Russia’s military and technological capabilities or to the development of defence or security,” the European Council said in a press release.
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“Our sanctions are already exacting a heavy toll on the Russian economy and the Kremlin’s ability to finance its aggression. Today’s package increases our pressure on Russia and Putin’s war machine,” said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
“By addressing sanctions evasion, we will increase pressure on Russia by further depriving it of the resources it desperately needs to allow it to continue its illegal war against Ukraine,” Borrell said.
The new sanctions package also includes provisions to address so-called “dual-use” technology, which can serve both civilian and military functions.
In addition to tightening rules on third countries, the new package imposes sanctions on 87 entities, including four third-country entities linked to the manufacture and transfer of military technology, specifically drones.
Russian-registered trailers and semi-trailers will also be banned from transporting goods by road in the EU. Under the new rules, ships suspected of ship-to-ship transfers, a common tactic to circumvent sanctions, could be denied entry to European ports.
The European Council also extended the suspension of broadcasting licenses for major Russian propaganda outlets RT, Oriental Review, New Eastern Outlook, Tsargrad and Katehon.
“These outlets are under the permanent direct or indirect control of the leadership of the Russian Federation, and have been used by the latter in its ongoing and orchestrated propaganda activities targeting civil society in the European Union and neighbouring countries, seriously distorting and manipulating facts,” the European Council said in its statement.
