"EU Considers Sanctions on North Korean Troops Involved in Russian Deployment"

The European Union (EU) is reportedly considering adding high-ranking North Korean officials involved in the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia to its sanctions list, Bloomberg reported on the 25th (local time).

According to documents obtained by Bloomberg, the European Commission (EC) is reviewing additional measures to strengthen sanctions against Russia following the Ukraine war.

A video released by the Ukrainian Military Strategic Communication and Information Security Center (SPRAVDI) showing soldiers, presumed to be North Korean troops, lining up to receive Russian supplies. SPRAVDI X, Yonhap News Agency

Although the specific list has not been disclosed, high-ranking North Korean defense officials involved in the decision to deploy troops to support Russia are expected to be targeted by the sanctions.

The sanctions list will be finalized with the consent of the 27 EU member states. Earlier, in February, the EU added then North Korean Minister of Defense Kang Sun-nam and the North Korean Missile General Bureau to the sanctions list in connection with missile support to Russia.

In addition, Chinese businesspeople managing companies that violated EU trade regulations, Hong Kong companies that supplied prohibited parts to Russian military enterprises, and others will also be included on the sanctions list. The EC proposed listing more than 50 individuals and 30 entities, imposing asset freezes and travel bans. Bloomberg also reported that the measures include banning Russian oil tankers from accessing European ports and services.

Furthermore, the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) are expected to issue an official statement condemning the deployment of North Korean troops, Bloomberg reported. The draft statement was prepared during the ongoing G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Italy starting today. The draft includes language stating that "the deployment of North Korean troops represents a dangerous escalation of the conflict" and raises concerns about the transfer of nuclear technology to North Korea.

Additionally, the G7 foreign ministers are expected to declare in the statement that they will take "appropriate measures" against China and third countries supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They are also anticipated to continue exerting significant pressure on revenues generated from Russian energy, metals, and other commodities.