EU takes action against those circumventing sanctions in latest package

The European Union's new restrictions against Russia will target "loopholes" that allow sanctions to be bypassed, according to EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell.

The EU has also added nearly 200 individuals and companies to its sanctions list, Rubryka reports.

"We are adding almost 200 persons and entities to our package of designations, bringing over EU listings to over 2,000," the European top diplomat said on X.

Borrell also said the EU would introduce more measures against organizations involved in circumventing sanctions and the defense and military sectors.

On February 21, the permanent representatives of the European Union agreed to approve the 13th sanctions package against Russia, which is to be finally approved by the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The European Union plans to impose an embargo on Russian aluminum and focus not on Russian exports but on Russian imports as part of the 13th package.

EU countries want to create additional obstacles for Russia to acquire components it cannot produce and needs for high-tech weapons, such as guided missiles.

On February 20, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa said the European Union is already preparing a new sanctions package against Russia, which could be announced this week.

On February 15, Hungary was the only country at a meeting of EU ambassadors that did not support the 13th sanctions package. An official explained that Hungary disagreed with the new sanctions because Chinese companies were included in the list.

Rubryka also reported that the United States plans to announce new sanctions against Russia following the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison.