European Union foreign ministers have slapped more sanctions on people and organizations for their support of Russia's war against Ukraine, while work is under way on a new set of punishments for the Kremlin.
"These measures strike at the heart of Russia’s military-industrial complex, its shadow fleet, and the networks that fuel Moscow’s hybrid attacks against Europe," said EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas on Monday.
The measures include asset freezes and entry bans for several manufacturers and suppliers of drones and other military equipment used by Russia in Ukraine.
The EU also imposed sanctions on 24 entities and 2 persons with links to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," a term that refers to tankers and cargo ships that Moscow uses to circumvent sanctions.
Next to Russia, some of the listed companies are based in China, Liberia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan and Hong Kong.
In addition, 10 individuals accused of being Russian propagandists were sanctioned.
"They are responsible for spreading disinformation aimed at justifying, promoting or legitimising Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine or disseminating hostile and manipulative narratives targeting Ukraine and aimed at dehumanising Ukrainians or distorting historical facts," a press release said.
The EU also slapped restrictive measures on 15 persons and one entity, "including Russian judges and prosecutors, as well as law enforcement, state security (FSB) and medical personnel," over the death of Russia opposition figure Alexei Navalny in 2024.
EU's 21st sanctions package on the table
"In parallel, work is underway on the broader 21st sanctions package," said Kallas, in the margins of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
"Every measure shrinks Russia’s room for manoeuvre. And the numbers speak volumes," she said.
"Western sanctions have already cost Russia an estimated €1 to 1.3 trillion. Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia's war economy."
The package could include an EU entry ban for Russian soldiers who have fought in the war against Ukraine and is expected to be adopted at a later stage.
EU foreign ministers met after Russia's latest overnight attacks on Ukraine, which sparked a fire at a UNESCO world heritage site in Kiev.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the strikes as "heinous attacks" which had targeted European cultural sites of inestimable value.
"This shows that there is still no genuine willingness on the Russian side to enter into negotiations," Wadephul said, amid speculation on a possible resumption of talks between Ukraine and Russia on a ceasefire.
Several people were killed in a new wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight, which also sparked a fire at the main church of the UNESCO-protected Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex in Kiev, Ukrainian officials said early on Monday.
