EU Hits Russia with New Sanctions, Targets China for First Time

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Dec 16, 2024

Above: European Union flags outside the headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Image copyright: Lisa Johannssen/Bloomberg via Getty Imagesstory last updated 5 days ago

The Facts

The European Union (EU) on Monday adopted its 15th package of sanctions against Russia, adding 84 new individuals and entities to the restrictions list, including unprecedented measures against Chinese companies.
The sanctions package targets 52 additional vessels from Russia's shadow fleet engaged in transporting oil, arms, and grains, bringing the total number of sanctioned vessels to 79.

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

This sanctions package demonstrates the EU's solidarity with Ukraine and the bloc's unified efforts to weaken Russia's war machine and those enabling it, particularly by targeting the circumvention of previous restrictions through shadow fleet operations and technology transfers from third countries.

Lloydslist

Anti-Russia narrative

The current sanctions remain insufficient as they fail to address over 600 European companies still operating in Russia, and more comprehensive measures, including restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas imports, are needed to effectively pressure Moscow.

Tvpworld

Establishment-critical narrative

One must question the effectiveness of the EU's sanctions, none of which have appeared to slow down the Russian military effort or its economy. Clearly, Russia's economy is on the rebound, and domestic support for Putin and the Kremlin is robust. These sanctions are boosting Moscow's hardline posture while undermining alternative strategies. If anything, the sanctions have had a negative impact on the European economy.