Four Additional Chinese Companies Supplying Drone Parts Included
On the 27th (local time), EU Observer reported that Kim Young-bok, Vice Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, known to be commanding North Korean troops deployed in Russia, was included in the draft of the European Union (EU)'s sanctions against Russia.
EU Observer stated that the draft sanctions described Vice Chief Kim as "having accompanied DPRK (North Korea) leader Kim Jong-un at least seven times in public appearances in 2024, demonstrating his significant role within the North Korean military."
Kim Young-bok, known as a close aide to Chairman Kim Jong-un and overseeing the North Korean military units deployed in Russia, is seen leading the parade formation as the commander of the People's Army Special Operations Force during the Workers' Party of Korea's 75th anniversary military parade (October 10, 2020). Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Last month, Ukraine submitted a statement to the United Nations Security Council pointing out that Vice Chief Kim, Director Ri Chang-ho of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, and Major Shin Geum-cheol of the People's Army were among at least 500 North Korean military officers who initially entered Russia. The National Intelligence Service also officially confirmed Vice Chief Kim's dispatch to Russia.
Based on the briefing on North Korean troop deployment provided by the South Korean government delegation that visited Brussels, Belgium last month, the EU appears to have decided to include Kim Young-bok in the draft sanctions first. Earlier, in February, the EU included Kang Sun-nam, then North Korean Minister of Defense, and the North Korean Missile General Bureau in the sanctions list against Russia, considering their involvement in supporting Russian missiles.
The current draft also added to the sanctions list a 42-year-old Chinese businesswoman who exported technology banned by the West to Russia via Hong Kong, four Chinese companies that supplied long-range attack drone parts to the Russian military, and two Hong Kong-based companies involved in sanctions evasion.
EU Observer noted that this is the first time a Chinese national has been listed on the EU's "blacklist," which imposes the strongest sanctions related to Russia's war in Ukraine.
On the 26th, ambassadors from the 27 EU member states exchanged initial opinions on the draft sanctions, and many member countries argued that more individuals should be added to the sanctions list, indicating that the final version may change.
EU diplomats said the 15th round of sanctions is expected to be agreed upon by the end of the year.
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