Sanctions against Russia
61 Commons Library Research Briefing, 22 March 2023
and provincial Dumas, the Mayor of Moscow, high ranking military officials,
propagandists and politicians installed in Russian-controlled areas of
Ukraine, including Konstantin Ivashchenko, the Russian-installed Mayor of
Mariupol. Ivashchenko was also designated by the US at the end of July 2022.
One of Russia's largest banks, Sberbank was also designated. Sberbank has
already been cut off from the SWIFT international payment system (see
above). Other sanctioned entities include companies implicated in the
stealing of Ukrainian grain, the Nightwolves club and the All-Russia "Young
Army" Military Patriotic Social Movement.
In tandem with the UK, the EU also sanctioned several individuals for their
role in the recruitment of Syrian mercenaries to fight in Ukraine alongside
Russian troops.
On 4 August the EU also added former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych
and his son, Olexsandr, to the sanctions list for their role in undermining
Ukraine's territorial integrity and stability. Olexsandr Yanukovych is also
accused of conducting transactions with separatist groups in the Donbas.
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Response to Russian annexation
On 6 October the EU adopted its eighth package of sanctions against Russia,
and specifically in response to the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson
and Zaporizhzhia.
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Import bans
Steel products that originate in, or have been exported from, Russia will be
banned. Additional goods will be subject to an import ban including wood
pulp and paper, cigarettes, plastics, cosmetics, vehicles, textiles, footwear,
leather, ceramics and certain items relating to the jewellery industry such as
precious stones and metals.
Export bans
The export of additional goods used in the aviation sector will be restricted.
The list of restricted items relating to Russia's defence and security sector,
and its technological enhancement more generally, has been expanded to
include certain electronic components such as semiconductors and
additional chemicals and goods that can be used for capital punishment,
torture or cruel and degrading treatment.
There will also be a ban on the export of civilian firearms and their
components and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary
equipment and spare parts.
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Council of the European Union, Press release, 4 August 2022
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Council of the European Union, Press release, 6 October 2022 and European Commission, Frequently
asked questions, 6 October 2022
