EU to Block Russia's Drone Exports and War Funding Sources

9th Russia Sanctions Package
UK Also Plans to Announce Independent Sanctions Proposal

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The European Union (EU) is imposing strong sanctions on Russia amid concerns over the expansion of the Ukraine war. Just two days after implementing a price cap on Russian crude oil, the EU has raised pressure on Russia by blocking drone exports to Russia and unveiling additional sanctions aimed at cutting off the financial resources of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On the 7th (local time), Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, officially proposed the 9th package of sanctions against Russia to EU member states, centered on these measures.

The newly proposed sanctions include blocking exports of drone engines not only to Russia but also to third countries such as Iran, which could potentially export finished drones to Russia. This move targets the extensive use of Iranian-made suicide drones like the 'Shahed 136' by Russia in attacks on Ukraine.

Additionally, to cut off President Putin’s war funding, three Russian banks, including the state-owned Russian Regional Development Bank (RDB), have been added to the sanctions list. Export restrictions on chemical substances and key technologies that could be used for military purposes have also been proposed.

The EU is concerned about the possibility of Russia using biochemical weapons in the Ukraine war. Following a series of sudden deaths among Putin’s close aides?who had criticized the invasion of Ukraine?due to neurological disorders, there have been speculations that Russia might use chemical agents such as Novichok in the conflict.

Four media outlets used for Russian government propaganda, as well as the Russian military, defense companies, and senior officials in the Russian parliament and cabinet, are also expected to be added to the sanctions list. According to sources familiar with the matter, the list includes 136 individuals and 42 organizations.

Von der Leyen stated that the list includes key figures involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children and deliberate missile strikes targeting civilians.

This proposal is part of the EU’s 8th sanctions package and was announced two days after the price cap on Russian crude oil took effect on the 5th.

The sanctions will be implemented following the consent of the 27 member states. The European Commission plans to hold a meeting next week to approve the sanctions.

Separately, Bloomberg reported that the United Kingdom is also expected to announce its own additional sanctions around the 9th.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the UK’s sanctions will target Russian individuals and organizations involved in evading existing sanctions and human rights abuses.

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken cited multiple sources, including the Russian government, in July, stating that Russian authorities have interrogated, detained, and forcibly deported between 900,000 and 1.6 million Ukrainian citizens, including 260,000 children.

These individuals were sent to Russia, with some relocated to isolated areas in the Far East. He said, "Russia’s actions were premeditated and have been compared historically to the 'cleansing operations' Russia conducted in Chechnya and other regions.

The report noted that while Russian authorities deny the forced deportations, the number of Ukrainians forcibly displaced is believed to have increased.