EU adopts new sanctions against Russia, welcomes Trump’s policy shift

Three India-based companies were among 45 entities sanctioned by the European Union on Thursday for their alleged links with Russian military.The EU slapped the punitive actions against the firms as part of its 19th package of sanctions which are part of efforts to put economic pressure on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.An EU readout said the European Council has identified 45 new entities “directly supporting” Russia’s military and industrial complex by “enabling the circumvention of export restrictions on computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, microelectronics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other advanced technology items”. “These entities will be subject to tighter export restrictions with regard to dual-use goods, as well as items which might generally contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence sector,” it said.

Out of these 17 entities, 12 are in China, including Hong Kong, three in India and two in Thailand, the EU said. The statement on the 19th package of sanctions identified the three Indian firms as Aerotrust Aviation Private Limited, Ascend Aviation India Private Limited and Shree Enterprises. EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas says the newly adopted 19th sanctions package targets Russian banks, crypto exchanges, and companies in China and India helping Moscow evade sanctions. The EU is also restricting Russian diplomats' movement to counter destabilization efforts.

The new measures also require Russian diplomats traveling in the EU outside their country of accreditation to notify the relevant member state in advance. The block further introduces service bans blocking Russian access to advanced digital capabilities, including certain space-based services and AI services.Five new Russian banks are added to bloc's transaction ban while new bans are introduced on Moscow's payment card and fast payment system along with four new financial institutions listed in Belarus and Kazakhstan over the use of such systems.