EU Imposes Additional Sanctions on Russia, Defying the US

While the U.S. and Russia pursue peace talks, Europe maintains a hardline stance
North Korean military leaders Ri Chang-ho and Sin Kum-chol sanctioned for deployment
Russia criticizes Europe for taking a different approach from the United States

A North Korean soldier captured by the Ukrainian military in the western Kursk region of Russia. Photo by Yonhap News

The European Union (EU) approved its 16th package of sanctions against Russia on the 24th (local time). While the United States has begun negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Europe is maintaining a tougher stance on Russia compared to the U.S.

According to the sanctions approved by EU foreign ministers on the same day, the import of primary aluminum from Russia into the EU will be gradually phased out. Import volumes will be progressively reduced to allow regional importers to prepare, and from the end of 2026, imports of Russian aluminum will be completely banned.

Imports of primary aluminum from Belarus, a Russian ally, will also be banned to prevent sanctions evasion by Russia. The share of Russian aluminum imports in Europe has already decreased from 16% in 2020 to 6% last year, and this measure is expected to reduce the share further.

North Korean troops deployed in the Ukraine-Russia war have also been included in the sanctions.

According to the EU Official Journal, two high-ranking North Korean officials, Ri Chang-ho, Director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, and Sin Kum-chol, Chief of the Operations Department of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, have been added.

Ri Chang-ho coordinated the deployment of North Korean troops on the Ukrainian battlefield, and Sin Kum-chol was responsible for supplying Russian tactics and modern tactics such as drones to the North Korean military.

The EU also added regulations on Russia's energy sector.

Until now, while the EU banned imports of Russian crude oil, it allowed temporary storage at EU ports if the final destination of the Russian crude oil was a third country; however, from now on, all such exceptions will be prohibited without exception.

Exports of European software that assist Russian oil and gas exploration will also be banned.

However, the ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) was again excluded this time. This consideration was made due to concerns that banning LNG imports would cause a sharp rise in energy prices within the region.

This EU sanction package demonstrates Europe's firm support for Ukraine. While the U.S. and Russia have started peace negotiations bypassing Europe, Europe has maintained its existing tough stance.

In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized on the same day, saying, "Europe's conviction is completely contrary to our current mindset of seeking a solution to the conflict in Ukraine together with the Americans."