EU expands sanctions against Russia, targeting additional 54 individuals, 10 entities

“The Council decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 54 individuals and 10 entities in response to the ongoing unjustified and unprovoked Russian military aggression against Ukraine. This decision comes in addition to the “maintenance and alignment” package of sanctions adopted by the Council on 21 July 2022,” reads the press release of the Council of the EU. 

As Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, noted, Sberbank was put on the sanctions list.

“We are listing another major Russian Bank, Sberbank, and preventing it from conducting transactions outside Russia. We are also adding further individuals involved in Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, such as military officials, the Nighwolves motorcycle club and disinformation actors,” Borrell specified.

The listed individuals include senior members of the political or cultural establishment such as members of the State and provincial Dumas, local politicians like the mayor of Moscow. Also listed are high ranking military leaders and staff, politicians appointed in Ukrainian territories invaded by Russia, members of the Nightwolves, a nationalist motorcycle club, propagandists and leading businesspersons.

The sanctioned entities include Sberbank, a major financial institution, the Nightwolves, companies operating in the military sector or the shipbuilding industry or involved in the stealing of Ukrainian grain, and a variety of entities that have disseminated pro-Kremlin and anti-Ukrainian propaganda.

Moreover, in view of the fact that the Syrian regime provides support -including military support - to Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, the Council decided to also list six individuals and one entity involved in the recruitment of Syrian mercenaries to fight in Ukraine alongside Russian troops.

Altogether, EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to a total of 1212 individuals and 108 entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.

“The EU firmly stands with Ukraine and will continue to provide strong support for Ukraine’s overall economic, military, social and financial resilience, including humanitarian aid,” the Council underscored.

The relevant legal acts, including the names of the listed individuals and entities, have been published in the Official Journal of the EU.

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