The ninth package of EU sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine is in effect. As can be seen from the legal texts published in the Official Journal of the EU on Friday night, the EU imposed asset freezes and entry bans on a further 141 people and 49 institutions. Among them are several deputy prime ministers, ministers and companies from the defense and automotive industries.
However, punitive measures against Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov were not imposed due to pressure from Hungary. The country is heavily dependent on Russian energy supplies.
They are accused, among other things, of being responsible for actions or policies that undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The EU has already sanctioned more than 1,200 individuals and 118 organizations.
Furthermore, trade and financial sanctions are included in the ninth package of EU sanctions related to Russia’s war against Ukraine. Among other things, three other Russian banks are subject to sanctions – including the Russian Regional Development Bank, which will no longer be allowed to conduct transactions in or through the EU.
The EU also bans the export of drone engines to Russia and countries like Iran if it is suspected that the engines will end up in Russia. EU investments in Russian mining will also be banned in the future, with the exception of certain raw materials. Because of the war propaganda accusation, Russian media NTV/NTV Mir, Rossiya 1, REN TV and Pervyi channel were banned from broadcasting to all distribution channels.
According to a media report, following the announcement, the EU Court of Justice recorded a wave of lawsuits from Russian and Belarusian oligarchs and companies. As reported by the German newspaper “Bild” (Saturday), 61 lawsuits from sanctioned individuals and companies are currently pending in Luxembourg. The plaintiffs defended themselves against the charge of politically or financially supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin and his war against Ukraine. According to the report, they also accuse the EU of having disproportionately interfered with their fundamental and property rights, freezing assets and banning entry.
According to court documents, the list of plaintiffs in Luxembourg also includes well-known oligarchs in the West, including former owner of English football club Chelsea FC, Roman Abramovich and Mikhail Fridman, founder and manager of the major financial group Alfa-Group.
Like Gennady Timtschenko, a close friend of Putin who lives in Switzerland, Abramovich is demanding one million euros “as compensation for immaterial damage”. In the event of EU condemnation, the proceeds will go to a charitable foundation to be set up as part of the sale of Chelsea FC to benefit war victims. (apa/dpa/Portal)