The European Union (EU) is developing its fifteenth package of sanctions against Russia, focusing on strengthening measures to prevent sanctions circumvention, EU High Representative Josep Borrell announced during a joint press conference with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga in Kyiv.
The EU has adopted 14 packages of economic and individual restrictive measures against Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The latest, adopted in June, targeted the energy sector measures.
According to Borrell, the EU aims to use sanctions to isolate Russia’s industrial capabilities from importing components from other countries.
“We need to strengthen measures against sanctions circumvention because Russia cannot produce without imported parts, chips and other components,” Borrell said during his visit to Kyiv on 9 November.
Russia heavily relies on Western-made electronic components and technologies in its military equipment. Investigations have found chips and parts from American, European, and Asian manufacturers in recovered missiles, drones, and other weapons systems. Despite sanctions, Russia has continued to obtain these critical components through various intermediary countries and shell companies that help circumvent export controls.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia and implement stricter sanctions against countries supporting Russia’s war effort.
Josep Borrell arrived in Kyiv on 9 November, marking his fifth visit to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. It is also his last visit as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
“EU support to Ukraine has been my priority during my mandate and will remain on top of the EU‘s agenda,” Borrell wrote in the text.
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