The proposed new curbs, if approved by all 27 EU member states, could cost Russia EUR 11 billion in lost trade, news agencies reported.
“We are weakening Russia’s ability to maintain its war machine,” European Commission President Ursula von
der Leyen said on Wednesday.
“We have adopted nine packages of sanctions, the Russian economy is shrinking,” she added. “We need to keep up the pressure.”
We need to build a bridge of hope for the people of Ukraine, from the horrors of war to a better future in our midst.
Ukraine is a nation defined not only by its history and heritage.
It is a nation defined by its dreams.
And Europe is one of these dreams. pic.twitter.com/cj30NlBeWt
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 15, 2023
Von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday that the EU executive was “suggesting restrictions on some dual-use and electronic components used in Russian armed systems such as drones and missiles and helicopters.”
Some predicted Ukraine would fall in a few days.
But the Ukrainians’ legendary bravery stunned the world.
One year on, Putin’s imperial fantasies have woken up to a bleak reality, while Ukraine’s dreams are stronger than ever.
Ukraine will prevail.
https://t.co/GEe9HYTCq4— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 15, 2023
New EU sanctions on Russia could also target Iran
She added that the EU’s 10th sanctions package could also target Iran for helping Russia’s war, the Reuters news agency reported.
“There are also hundreds of drones manufactured in Iran, used by Russia, in the battlefield in Ukraine,” von der Leyen said, as quoted by Reuters. “These Iranian drones kill Ukrainian civilians … so for the first time we are also suggesting sanctions targeting Iranian economic operators including those linked to the Revolutionary Guards.”
We are weakening Russia’s ability to maintain its war machine.
Our 10th sanction package contains trade bans and controls on technology exports worth €11 billion.
Russia is using hundreds of Iranian-built drones.
We propose to extend our export controls to Iranian entities. pic.twitter.com/VuLc60YlaY
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 15, 2023
The bloc is working on its 10th sanctions package to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, according to officials.
The EU executive’s proposals need to be unanimously approved by the 27 member states before they can take effect.
Wednesday is day 357 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters