The EU approves its 14th package of sanctions against Russia.

In a statement, the Council of Europe stressed: “Today, the Council adopted the 14th package of economic and personal restrictions, dealing another blow to the regime of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and those who perpetuate the illegal, unprovoked and senseless war of aggression against Ukraine.”

The statement added that the new package expands restrictions on individuals, including 116 individuals and organizations "responsible for actions that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine."

The statement reads: "To ensure that EU facilities are not used to transport Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries, thereby significantly reducing the revenue Russia derives from the sale and transport of LNG, the EU will prohibit Russian LNG transshipment services on EU territory aimed at carrying out transit operations to third countries."
Additionally, the EU also prohibits companies from using the Financial Message Transfer System (SPFS), an alternative to the global SWIFT payment system.

The statement affirmed: "In light of Russia's ongoing efforts to interfere with democratic processes in the EU and undermine the democratic foundations of the bloc, including through influence campaigns and the dissemination of disinformation, the Council of Europe has decided that political parties and organizations, non-governmental organizations, including think tanks, or media providers in the EU will no longer be permitted to receive funding from the Russian State and its proxies."

The EU also imposed sanctions on Russia's "shadow fleet," targeting "specific vessels contributing to Russia's war against Ukraine"—27 ships—as well as expanding restrictions on imports of helium from Russia and exports of manganese ore, plastics, and electronic equipment.
In addition, the European Council will be required to take measures to ensure that subsidiaries in third countries do not violate European sanctions or “engage in any activity that would result in the outcome that the sanctions are intended to prevent.”
Concluding statement: The Council has added 61 entities to the list of parties directly supporting the Russian military-industrial complex in the war against Ukraine. These entities will be subject to stricter export restrictions relating to dual-use goods and technologies, as well as goods and technologies that could contribute to the technological advancement of Russia's defense and security sector.

Some of these entities are based in third countries—including China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Lan Ha