EU foreign ministers approve 15th package of sanctions against Russia

The EU foreign ministers have finally approved the 15th package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia. This is reported on December 16 on the website of the Council of the European Union.

"This package of sanctions is part of our response to weakening <...> Russia and those who contribute to [the Ukrainian conflict], including Chinese companies. <...> Our immediate priority is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position," the words of the Deputy President of the European Commission (EC) and former Estonian Prime Minister Kai Kallas are quoted.

It is noted that the sanctions list included 54 individuals and 30 organizations. Also, 52 ships were added there, which are subject to a ban on access to the port and a ban on the provision of a wide range of services related to maritime transport.

Earlier in the day, the head of the German Council for Constitution and Sovereignty Ralph Niemeyer called the EU's continued imposition of sanctions against Russia madness. He expressed the opinion that the imposed sanctions had no political effect on Russia, and noted that after the imposition of sanctions, the Russian Federation has established its own production of many goods, and now European companies want to return to the Russian market.

In October, EP deputy Lebos Blaga said in an interview with Izvestia that sanctions against Russia meant a long-term prospect of economic suicide in Europe. He noted that restrictions against Russia do not harm it - they harm EU countries.

Western countries have tightened sanctions pressure on Russia in connection with the special operation to protect Donbass. The decision to launch it was announced on February 24, 2022 after the aggravation of the situation in the region.