The EC included almost 200 individuals and companies in the ninth package of sanctions against Russia

The European Commission has presented a new, ninth package of anti-Russian sanctions, which implies restrictions on almost 200 individuals and legal entities from Russia, stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The restrictions will include the Russian military, defense industry enterprises, State Duma deputies and senators, ministers, governors and political parties. The sanctions will affect three more Russian banks, including a ban on any transactions with the All-Russian Regional Development Bank. The EC intends to continue the fight against the “Russian propaganda machine” by banning four more TV channels, von der Leyen added.

In addition, the EC proposes to introduce new export restrictions, in particular for dual-use goods, such as electronics and IT components. The EC also intends to ban the export of engines for drones and drones to Russia and to any third countries that can then transfer them to the Russian Federation. This is primarily about Iran, she stressed. Von der Leyen also promised to introduce new measures against the Russian energy and mining sectors, in particular, a ban on new investments in the mining industry in Russia will be introduced.

“The eight packages of sanctions we have introduced so far have already hit hard. Today we are stepping up pressure on Russia with the ninth round of sanctions,” she said.

The sanctions proposed by the European Commission must now be approved by the EU Council.

The EU has already imposed eight packages of sanctions against Russia, targeting banks, defense companies, oil and gas producers and other sectors of the country’s economy, as well as hundreds of government officials, businessmen, journalists and others. The previous restrictions on Russia were adopted on October 6.

One of the main measures of the eighth package of sanctions was the price ceiling for Russian oil. On December 3, the EU countries set it at $60 per barrel. For oil, it came into force on December 5. For petroleum products, the restriction will come into effect on February 5, 2023.

Previously at the Russian Foreign Ministry promised prepare a proportionate response, taking into account the interests of the country, in the event of a new package of sanctions.

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