EU capitals have agreed a fresh sanctions package against Russia, as Brussels vows to step up pressure on Moscow and support for Kyiv despite US-led negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
The bloc’s 16th package of sanctions against Russia since it launched its full-scale war takes aim at the country’s aluminium industry and further tightens restrictions on its oil exports.
The sanctions target 13 more banks, 73 more so-called shadow fleet tankers used by Moscow to export crude oil, and a “phased-in” ban on EU countries buying certain types of Russian aluminium products, according to people briefed on its contents.
The package, which the people said was endorsed by ambassadors from all the EU’s 27 countries on Wednesday morning, also targets more individuals and companies deemed to be helping Russia prosecute its war against Ukraine.
This is a developing story
US push to end Ukraine war
I see someone is afraid of losing their press accreditation to the White House.
The package, which the people said was endorsed by ambassadors from all the EU’s 27 countries on Wednesday morning
How did they get Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria to agree?
Does “endorsed by ambassadors” mean that it will take effect, or could their national governments intervene?
Assuming it reflects the national positions, i would assume that Russia is not delivering on promises to keep these countries happy with taking a more Russia friendly position, while the looming expansion of Russian control up to their own borders in the case of Ukraine capitulating does give them some colder feet.
Oh well,
Hungary negotiated exemptions for Moscow Patriarch Kirill and domestic use of Russian oil products during talks on the EU’s 16th package of sanctions, a Hungarian government spokesperson said on Feb. 19.
The statement came after EU ambassadors agreed on the next package of sanctions imposed against Russia, targeting aluminum trade and Moscow’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers.
“These exemptions allow MOL to use refined Russian oil products domestically, remove maintenance equipment for the Druzhba pipeline from sanctions, and ensure Budapest’s metro system can continue receiving necessary servicing and repairs,” spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs said on X.
https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-says-it-negotiated-exemptions-for-patriarch-kirill
What and why are they holding back? 16 rounds… why are you holding things back at this point? Because the 17th time is the charm?
Incrementalism isn’t going to accomplish anything here.
Seems there are less and less options. Maybe ukraine should suddenly have nukes.
The situation of Ruz isn’t very clear. But, most analysts have predicted that the Ruz military and economy are close to collapse, and if they are given one more serious push they are done for this year. So tightening sanctions and maintaining or upgrading the Ukraine support, appear the best strategic option.
Analyst also say that the current Russian military equipment are dwindling dramatically. In another article the current Russian economy and the interest rate, was being compared with Haiti, with similar interest rate at around 20%.
Others say, that new Ruz military escalations , like new invasions in 2025 are highly unlikely, but they have plans, and will take action once they have regrouped. They might use a freezing of the war to buy time, force Ukrainian re-election, use psyops & sabotage, similar to those that have been used in many others countries, to influence elections to get a pro-ruz government installed.
TLDR; let’s keep pushing Ruzz back using all possible means.
This is worse than doing nothing. At this point you’re just listing the things you should have done 3 years ago.
Best time to plant a tree
Why not add a thought and a few prayers as well. Can’t hurt eh?
I’ll stand on the balcony and applaud, I hope that helps.
We are talking about 13 relativly small banks, a bunch of shadow tankers not in Russia ownership 3 years ago and aluminium, which makes up 1.8% of Russian exports. Basically it is just closing holes in the sanctions made a few years ago.
There’s not a whole lot left that isn’t sanctioned yet
