US Warns North Korea and China Helping Russia
[Asia Economy Reporter Haeyoung Kwon] The European Union (EU) is pushing for an export ban on all key components used by Russia in the Ukraine war, including fighter jet and drone parts. The United States strongly warned countries supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, such as North Korea, China, and Iran, stating that "Russia will ultimately be defeated" and they will bear a heavy burden.
On the 15th (local time), Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced a sanctions package against Russia that includes export bans worth a total of 11 billion euros (approximately 15 trillion KRW).
The new export sanctions cover 47 types of parts that could be used in Russian weapon systems, including drones, missiles, and helicopters. Export bans also apply to fighter jet engine parts, electronic devices, special vehicles, antennas, certain rare earth elements, and thermal cameras. President von der Leyen explained, "Export bans will be imposed on all types of technological products found on the battlefield (used by Russia)."
The announced sanctions also include measures against seven Iranian companies linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which supplied drones to Russia. Products produced by these companies are included in the export ban list for dual-use items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. President von der Leyen stated, "The IRGC has been providing 'Shahed drones' to Russia for attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. Now, they are completely prohibited from selling sensitive items to Russia."
The EU plans to impose additional sanctions on third-country companies, such as those in Iran, that provide sensitive technology to Russia in the future. Individuals involved in fake news, propaganda, and incitement activities will also be sanctioned. Furthermore, the EU will consider whether frozen assets of the Russian central bank within the EU can be used to finance Ukraine's reconstruction.
The sanctions package aims to be implemented on the 24th, marking one year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and requires the agreement of all 27 EU member states.
While the EU strengthens sanctions against Russia, the United States warned that North Korea and China, which assist Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will bear a heavy burden.
On the same day, Wendy Sherman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, said in a discussion at the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington D.C., "China is trying to improve its status in the international community by mediating the war, but at the same time is strengthening relations with Russia and supporting the war," adding, "China is trying to do both, but it will not be possible." Referring to North Korea supplying ammunition to Russia's mercenary group Wagner, she said, "We are also concerned about the relationship between North Korea and Russia." She also expressed concern about Russia using drones provided by Iran in the war.
Deputy Secretary Sherman warned, "Ukraine will deliver a strategic defeat to Putin," and "this will cause many problems for those supporting this terrible aggression in the future."
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