EU Imposes New Package of Sanctions Against Russia, Targeting Entities in Kazakhstan

The European Union has officially adopted its 21st package of restrictive measures against Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the press service of the Council of the EU, the updated blacklist now includes several entities based in Kazakhstan.

This latest round of sanctions targets critical sectors of the Russian economy to further curtail its ability to fund military operations. In total, restrictions have been levied on 218 entities and individuals, comprising 48 individuals and 170 organizations.

The measures affect more than 100 banks and digital asset providers, over 40 vessels linked to Russia's shadow oil fleet, as well as several oil refineries across Russia and Belarus. Additionally, the list targets over 50 defense contractors involved in the production of long-range drones.

Furthermore, the Council of the EU expanded its strict export control list by adding 51 entities subject to tight restrictions on dual-use goods and technologies. These organizations are accused of directly supporting Russia's military-industrial complex.

A number of these companies are located in third countries, including China (and Hong Kong), India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The EU stated that these entities helped circumvent existing sanctions by supplying Russia with microelectronics, computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

The official announcement did not specify the exact names of the Kazakhstani entities included in the sanctions list.