New EU sanctions target sanctions circumvention
The European Council has imposed additional restrictive measures on three individuals and nine legal entities involved in importing sanctioned goods into Russia and circumventing European sanctions, including restrictions on oil trade and financial transactions. The measures freeze their assets. The listings were approved under the EU's framework aimed at countering actions that undermine or threaten Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.[S1][S2]
Kaja Kallas, who serves as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that getting around EU sanctions is equivalent to helping and supporting Russia's unlawful war of aggression, and that additional measures are being taken against those who do so. She added that the sanctions have already cost Moscow over one trillion euros, yet they would be more effective still if enforced to the maximum degree.[S1]
Companies and individuals listed
Among those listed is LLC Movers Group, a freight forwarding firm based in Russia that took part in parallel imports into Russia of goods covered by EU restrictive measures, along with its CEO, Dmitry Chudovsky. The European Council also targeted LLC DT Inier, a Russian-licensed customs broker and full-cycle logistics operator engaged in decentralized sanctions-circumvention schemes, and its majority shareholder, Ivanna Savchuk.[S1]
Understand this article deeper
Also designated were two Turkey-based trading companies running a worldwide network: Begler Tekstil Insaat Elektronik VE DIS Ticaret LTD and Medse Group LLC. The EU additionally sanctioned LLC United Stream, a financial services firm registered in the Russian Federation that serves as a payment agent and intermediary, together with its founder and director, Svitlana Gumenyuk.[S1]
Shadow fleet and third-country entities
The European Council further sanctioned entities located in the United Arab Emirates, India, and the Seychelles. These comprise DIS Logistics DMCC, Vigor Marine Services LLP, and Shiva Shipping LTD, all tied to the shadow fleet ecosystem, plus Hurus Trade FZE, a trading intermediary that channels Russian-origin oil to India.[S1]
Those named on the list face asset freezes, and it is forbidden to make funds or economic resources available to them, or for their benefit, whether directly or indirectly. Individuals who appear on the list are additionally barred from entering the EU.[S1]
