The EU imposes sixth sanctions package against russia and Belarus

The European Union has approved the sixth sanctions package against russia and Belarus in connection with russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.

Official information on the adoption of the sixth package of EU sanctions was published today on the website of the European Council.

"In light of Russia's continuing war of aggression against Ukraine and Belarus' support to it, as well as the reported atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine, the Council decided today to impose a sixth package of economic and individual sanctions targeting both Russia and Belarus," the statement said.

It is noted that the sixth package of sanctions includes a series of measures aimed at effectively limiting russia's ability to continue aggression. The primary directions of this sanctions package are:

• Oil. The phasing out of Russian oil will take from 6 months for crude oil to 8 months for other refined petroleum products.
• De-SWIFTing of other russian and Belarusian banks: Russia's largest bank Sberbank, Credit Bank of Moscow, Russian Agricultural Bank, and the Belarusian Bank For Development And Reconstruction.
• Broadcasting. The EU is suspending the broadcasting activities in the EU of three more Russian state-owned propaganda outlets: Rossiya RTR/RTR Planeta, Rossiya 24 / Russia 24, and TV Centre International.
• Export restrictions. The EU expands the list of persons and entities concerned by export restrictions regarding dual-use goods and technology. 
• Consulting services. The EU will prohibit the provision of accounting, public relations, consultancy services, and cloud services to russia.
• Individual listings. To sanction additional individuals and entities: those responsible for the atrocities committed by Russian troops in Bucha and Mariupol, personalities supporting the war, leading businesspersons and family members of listed oligarchs and Kremlin officials, and companies in the defense and a financial organization.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated, "We are banning the import of Russian oil into the EU and cutting a huge source of revenue for Russia. We are cutting off more of the key Russian banks from the international payment system SWIFT. We are also sanctioning those responsible for the atrocities that took place in Bucha and Mariupol and banning more disinformation actors actively contributing to President Putin's war propaganda."

"The European Union is unwavering in its commitment to help Ukraine exercise its inherent right of self-defense against the Russian aggression and build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future," the statement concludes.