The European Union’s 16th sanctions package against Russia has come into effect on Monday, in connection with the third anniversary of the start of the Ukraine conflict. According to the European Commission, 13 Russian banks have been disconnected from the SWIFT system. Additionally, Brussels now prohibits the import of primary aluminum from Russia and the broadcasting of eight media offerings within the EU. The list of ships deemed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” by the EU has been expanded by 74 positions, now totaling 153 ships.
The package also includes 48 individuals and 35 organizations, which allegedly support the Russian military industry or are involved in circumventing sanctions. The majority of these companies and individuals are based in third countries such as China, India, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Uzbekistan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
Furthermore, the new restrictions prohibit European companies from conducting business with several Russian ports and airports, as well as the export of aircraft and aeronautical components to Russia.
The EU has also imposed restrictions on the export of goods and technologies, particularly software for oil drilling. The temporary storage of oil and oil products from Russia in the EU is also prohibited. The sanctions package includes a ban on the provision of construction services.