European Union approves new sanctions against Russia as war on Ukraine continues

The European Union on Thursday approved a new package of sanctions aimed at ramping up pressure on Russia for its war in Ukraine. The details of the package have not yet been revealed to the public.

The Czech Republic, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, said the package would be confirmed by written procedure Friday, ABC News reported.

Those targeted by the sanctions included government ministers, lawmakers, governors, political parties, banks, and even Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of his family.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive branch, previously proposed implementing a travel ban and asset freeze on hundreds of Russian officials and military officers.

EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also proposed “to ban the direct exports of drone engines to Russia and the export to any third countries, such as Iran, which could supply drones to Russia,” according to ABC.

In addition, the European Commission recommended limiting Russia’s energy and mining sectors by putting restrictions on new mining investments and cutting Russian TV stations off the air.

It’s unclear if these proposals were added to the latest package.

French President Emmanuel Macron rebuffed those that have criticized the sanctions as meaningless, saying: “These sanctions, we know they are efficient,” adding that “They are gradually making an impact, including on Russia’s capacity to produce and regenerate its weapons.”

“We are further raising pressure on the Russian leadership,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, according to ABC.