The European Commission has introduced a new set of proposed sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
This 16th package of sanctions includes significant economic measures aimed at further isolating Russia from international trade, a document seen by Reuters showed.
Key details
Among the key proposals is a ban on imports of Russian primary aluminium, a crucial industrial material.
Additionally, the Commission is suggesting restrictions on the sale of video game consoles to Russia, targeting the consumer technology sector.
These measures are part of a broader strategy by the European Union to exert economic pressure on Russia and limit its ability to sustain its military aggression in Ukraine.
The proposed sanctions are expected to be discussed and potentially adopted by EU member states in the coming weeks.
Member states received the proposal on Tuesday, and discussions are scheduled to begin on Wednesday afternoon, according to Reuters.
The restrictions also include measures to prevent circumvention of the Group of Seven nations’ price cap on Russian oil, Reuters said.
Russia generates significant revenues from the import of primary aluminium, which enables the continuation of its war efforts, according to the report.
The proposal suggested a ban on aluminium alloys, with a one-year phase-in period and an exemption for 275,000 metric tons of “necessary” imports during this time.
The EU imported almost 330,000 tons of primary aluminum and alloys from Russia between January and November 2024, according to Trade Data Monitor.
While the full 2024 import figures have not yet been released, this figure is still lower than the over 500,000 tonnes imported in 2023.
Video games
The EU is restricting sales to Russia of video game consoles, flight simulators, and joysticks because they could potentially be used to control drones, according to the document.
These restrictions come amidst concerns that Russia is actively seeking alternative equipment for its military, as highlighted by EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas this week.
“Even elements like the consoles for the video games, because apparently these are the ones that they operate the drones with,” Kallas was quoted as saying by Reuters in the report.
Sales of consoles such as Microsoft’s Xbox, Nintendo’s Switch and Sony Playstation would be affected as a result of this.
Additionally, the proposal includes 50 new entities and individuals.
The list was not shared by EU diplomats, but they indicated that it includes some Russian regional banks.
Energy sector
The diplomats said that around 75 more ships, mostly energy tankers, could be added to the already listed 79 vessels, according to Reuters.
Additionally, the European Commission plans to introduce new restrictions on software used in oil and gas exploration, according to the document.
They aim to expand the existing transaction ban to include Russian ports, locks, and airports that are involved in the transfer of drones and missiles, or that are used to circumvent the G7 oil price cap.
The document said:
That includes access to facilities of the listed ports and locks and airports and the provision of any services to vessels or aircrafts. Appropriate exemptions are included.
Despite pressure from some member states to ban Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Commission decided against it.
This decision was due to concerns about the lack of sufficient and timely alternatives, according to Reuters.
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