EU Sanctions Chinese Firms, North Korean Minister Over Ukraine War
EU Slaps Sanctions on Chinese Firms for Aiding Russia’s War Effort
BRUSSELS — In a important escalation, the European Union has imposed direct sanctions on Chinese companies for the first time, accusing them of supplying crucial military components to Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine. This move, part of the EU’s 15th round of sanctions, reflects growing concern over China’s alleged role in propping up Russia’s war machine.
The sanctions, announced monday, include asset freezes and visa bans targeting four Chinese companies accused of providing “sensitive drone components and microelectronic components” to the Russian military. Two additional firms and a Chinese businesswoman were also sanctioned for allegedly circumventing existing EU sanctions aimed at halting the flow of equipment to Moscow.
Among the targeted companies is Xiamen Limbach, which the EU alleges supplied engines for long-range attack drones used by Russia against Ukraine.
While the EU has previously sanctioned European companies for doing business with Chinese firms supporting Russia’s military, this marks the first time the bloc has directly targeted Chinese entities with these tougher measures.
The EU also broadened its sanctions against North Korea, adding Defense Minister No Kwang Chol and Deputy Chief of the General Staff Kim Yong bok to its blacklist. This action follows reports that Pyongyang has sent troops to Russia to bolster its forces fighting in Ukraine.Ukraine claimed Monday that its troops had killed or wounded at least 30 North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia’s western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have recently made territorial gains.
In a further effort to curb Russian revenue, the EU included approximately 50 oil tankers belonging to Moscow’s “shadow fleet” – vessels used to circumvent western oil sanctions – in the latest sanctions package.
EU Slaps Sanctions on Chinese Firms for Aiding Russia’s War
Brussels – In a significant escalation, the european Union has imposed direct sanctions on Chinese companies for the first time, accusing them of providing crucial military components to Russia for its war in Ukraine. This move, part of the EU’s 15th round of sanctions, reflects growing concern over China’s alleged role in bolstering Russia’s war effort.
Targeting Key suppliers
The sanctions, announced Monday, include asset freezes and visa bans targeting four Chinese companies accused of providing “sensitive drone components and microelectronic components” to the Russian military. two additional firms and a Chinese businesswoman were also sanctioned for allegedly circumventing existing EU sanctions aimed at halting the flow of equipment to Moscow.
xiamen Limbach, one of the targeted companies, is alleged by the EU to have supplied engines for long-range attack drones used by Russia against Ukraine.
A First for the EU
While the EU has previously sanctioned European companies for doing business with Chinese firms supporting Russia’s military, this marks the first time the bloc has directly targeted Chinese entities with these tougher measures.
North Korea Also Feels the Heat
The EU also expanded its sanctions against North Korea, adding Defense Minister No Kwang Chol and Deputy Chief of the General Staff Kim Yong bok to its blacklist. This action follows reports that Pyongyang has sent troops to Russia to bolster its forces fighting in Ukraine. Ukraine claimed Monday that its troops had killed or wounded at least 30 North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia’s western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have recently made territorial gains.
Curbing Russian Revenue
In a further effort to curb Russian revenue, the EU included approximately 50 oil tankers belonging to moscow’s “shadow fleet” – vessels used to circumvent western oil sanctions – in the latest sanctions package.