EU approves additional sanctions against Russia and Belarus

"Ukraine. COREPER II has approved new sanctions on Russian leaders and oligarchs and members of their families in connection with Russia's aggression against Ukraine. COREPER II has also approved sanctions that complement and build on our measures that have already been taken. In particular, these measures are aimed at cutting three Belarusian banks off from the SWIFT system. They also clarify cryptocurrency issues and complete the list of technologies and goods that are not subject to export. Sanctions have also been approved against the maritime sector," the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union posted on Twitter.

As noted, these sanctions will be formally approved by the Council of EU in writing, with subsequent publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

“We are further tightening the net of sanctions responding to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. Listing 160 individuals: oligarchs, Russian Federation Council members; Belarus banking sector; Export of maritime navigation technology to Russia; Adding crypto-assets,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented on the new package of sanctions against Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.