EU also targets non-Russian companies with 13th sanctions package

The Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU announced the 13th package of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday. The ambassadors of the 27 EU member states agreed on a new set of sanctions, which also target non-Russian companies.

The package follows the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It is a very wide-ranging package, aimed primarily at countering the evasion of previously adopted sanctions. Measures will be taken against nearly 200 individuals and entities.

Broad sanctions

The Belgian presidency calls the package "one of the broadest approved by the EU". The sanctions also target non-Russian companies, for example those trying to evade sanctions or those accused of supplying technology and military goods to Russia, including for the construction of drones.

Most details of the sanctions are still unknown. It is already confirmed that the package will sanction companies from China and Turkey, as well as North Korea. Individuals from these countries are also said to be targeted, such as the North Korean Defence minister, who is accused of supplying missiles to Russia.

Ratification to happen soon

The package has yet to be formally ratified. This will happen soon, as the EU wants to adopt the package before the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.

Last week, Hungary blocked the deal, saying it wanted more time to study the text. Orban's government has now given the green light anyway, adding that it has doubts about the principle of Europe sanctioning Russia.

Including the latest sanctions, the EU will have taken action against around two thousand individuals and companies since the start of the war.

^{© AFP PHOTO GEORGES GOBET}