The EU proposed the 19th round of sanctions against Russia. von der Leyen: Targeting refineries and other facilities located in third countries.

The European Commission proposed the 19th round of sanctions against Russia. von der Leyen: Targeting refineries in third countries, including China

The European Commission presented the 19th round of sanctions against Russia to the group's member states on Friday. The plan targets key sectors supporting Russia's war efforts. EU Commission President von der Leyen said at a press conference that day, "Our sanctions are effective economic pressure tools. We will continue to use these sanctions until Russia sits at the negotiating table with Ukraine to achieve a fair and lasting peace."

Von der Leyen said in her speech, "Unfortunately, over the past month, Russia has fully demonstrated its contempt for diplomacy and international law. It launched some of the largest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine since the outbreak of the war, not only targeting government buildings and civilian homes but also attacking the EU office in Kyiv - the EU Delegation in Kyiv. The threat facing the EU is also increasing."

Von der Leyen added, "In the past two weeks, 'Shahed' drones from Russia have entered the airspace of Poland and Romania. These are not actions taken by people seeking peace. President Putin has repeatedly escalated the situation. In response, Europe continues to increase pressure. That is why I am presenting the 19th round of sanctions today."

Von der Leyen introduced, "First, regarding energy. Russia's war economy relies on fossil fuel revenues. We want to cut these revenues. Therefore, we will ban the import of Russian liquefied natural gas into the European market. It is time to shut off this tap. We are ready for this. We have been saving energy and diversifying energy supply at an unprecedented level, and investing in low-carbon energy. Now, these efforts have paid off. Additionally, we have just lowered the oil price cap to $47.6. To strengthen enforcement, we are now sanctioning another 118 ships in Russia's shadow fleet."

Von der Leyen continued, "Currently, more than 560 ships are on the EU sanctions list. Large energy trading companies - Rosneft and Gazprom Neft - will be completely banned from transactions. Other companies will also have their assets frozen. We are tracking those who violate the sanctions by purchasing oil, thus helping Russia's war. We are targeting refineries, oil traders, and petrochemical companies in third countries, including China. For three years, Russia's oil revenue in Europe has decreased by 90%. Now, we want to turn the page completely."

Von der Leyen pointed out, "Second, we are targeting financial loopholes used by Russia to evade sanctions. We are imposing transaction bans on more Russian banks and banks in third countries. We are intensifying our crackdown on evasion of sanctions. As evasion methods become increasingly complex, our sanctions measures will also adjust accordingly to stay ahead. Therefore, our restrictions will target cryptocurrency platforms for the first time and prohibit cryptocurrency transactions. We are adding foreign banks related to Russia's alternative payment services to the list. We will also restrict transactions with entities in economic special zones."

Von der Leyen said, "I would like to mention the third point. We have increased direct export restrictions on items and technologies used on the battlefield. We have also listed 45 Russian and third-country companies. These companies have provided direct or indirect support to Russia's military-industrial complex. In a war driven by innovation, it is crucial to cut off Russia's access to key technologies, especially in the field of drones."

Von der Leyen stated, "Our economic analysis is clear: our sanctions are seriously affecting Russia's economy. Interest rates are as high as 17%. Inflation remains persistently high. Russia's financing channels and income are continuously decreasing. Russia's overheated war economy has reached its limit. More intriguingly, when partners who directly communicate with Russia speak, they say one of Russia's main demands is to lift the sanctions. We know that our sanctions are effective economic pressure tools. We will continue to use these sanctions until Russia sits at the negotiating table with Ukraine to achieve a fair and lasting peace."

Von der Leyen also mentioned, "At the same time, as I announced last week, we are studying a new solution to use the frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense. We must be very clear: this is Russia's war, and the perpetrators must pay the price. We can use the cash balances related to these Russian assets to provide Ukraine with a 'reparation loan.' These assets themselves will not be touched. The risk will be shared among all parties. Ukraine will repay the loan only after Russia pays the compensation. We will soon present specific proposals."

Von der Leyen introduced, "Finally, under the guidance of the rotating presidency of Canada, we are coordinating our sanctions measures with G7 partners. In support of Ukraine's struggle for freedom, we are also keeping pace with the 'voluntary alliance.' Europe has stood by Ukraine from the beginning."

Von der Leyen said, "Faced with Russia's escalation, Europe has stepped up to meet the challenge. We will continue to use all the tools we have to end this brutal war. I now call on member states to quickly approve these new sanctions. We hope Russia leaves the battlefield and returns to the negotiating table. That is the real way to achieve peace." The sanction package currently needs approval from all 27 EU member states in the coming weeks.

On Friday, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kallas, issued a statement on the latest sanctions, saying, "These new sanctions will also limit Russia's access to technology such as artificial intelligence and geospatial data, as well as key resources for weapon production. This includes (technologies and key resources) obtained from foreign suppliers, including China and India."

Kallas also posted on the social media platform X, "Our message is clear: if you tolerate Russia's war and try to circumvent our sanctions, you will face consequences," and stated, "Today, we recommend listing important actors in third countries, including China, that support Russia's military-industrial complex."

Politico reported that officials privately admitted that only if the U.S. agrees to take strict economic measures and strengthen enforcement can the most effective pressure on Russia be implemented. Last week, a senior EU technical team had already gone to Washington, and negotiations are still ongoing.

However, US President Trump stated, "When all NATO countries agree and start taking the same action and stop buying oil from Russia, I am ready to impose significant sanctions on Russia."

Trump wrote to "all NATO countries and the world" last week, "As you know, NATO's commitment to victory is far from 100%, and certain countries buying Russian oil is shocking! This greatly weakens your negotiation position and bargaining power with Russia. In short, I'm ready to act, just wait for you. Just tell me when."

Trump added, "I believe that, in addition to NATO, imposing 50% to 100% tariffs on China as a whole - these tariffs will be completely lifted after the war with Russia and Ukraine ends - will also greatly help end this deadly but absurd war." Obviously, these are all unrealistic demands.

This week, during his state visit to the UK, Trump reiterated his call and said, "If oil prices drop, Putin will withdraw... He will have no choice. He will leave the war."

Sources: rfi

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