The European Union has adopted a new series of sanctions once morest Russia.
One year following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the European Union formally approved, on Saturday February 25, a new set of sanctions once morest 121 individuals and entities. The 27 had agreed on Friday evening on a new package of measures aimed at undermining Russia’s military capabilities and increasing the pressure on its economy.
Franceinfo looks back on the highlights of the day on the war front in Ukraine.
EU adopts 10th set of sanctions once morest Russia
The European Union announced a new series of sanctions once morest Russia, on the occasion of the anniversary date of the offensive, Friday, February 24. These measures were formally adopted on Saturday. Among the targets are seven Iranian organizations, which manufacture explosive drones that Tehran supplies to Moscow. New goods have also been banned for export to Russia. These are goods such as electronics, specialized vehicles, mechanical parts or spare parts for truck and aircraft engines. Finally, the sanctions will target “those responsible for the deportation and forced adoption of at least 6,000 Ukrainian children”, said Josep Borrell, the head of European diplomacy.
Russia cuts oil supplies to Poland
Polish oil giant Orlen has announced that Russia has stopped delivering oil to it through the Druzhba pipeline. These deliveries were made under Orlen’s last contract in force with the Russian group Tafnet, which was due to expire at the end of 2024 and which covered around 10% of the company’s needs. Orlen assured that this shutdown will have no impact on the supply of its Polish customers.
European sanctions once morest the Wagner group for its human rights violations in Africa
The European Union announced on Saturday new sanctions once morest the Russian group Wagner for its “human rights violations” in the Central African Republic, Sudan and Mali. Eleven individuals and seven entities linked to the paramilitary group have been added to the asset freeze and travel ban list. The Wagner Group itself, which actively fights with the Russian army in Ukraine, was already sanctioned by the European Union in 2021.
New rallies in support of Ukraine
Some 3,000 people gathered in Paris in support of Ukraine, a day following protests in France and across Europe to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country. Rallies also took place in other major cities in the regions on Saturday.
Emmanuel Macron will visit China “at the beginning of April”
Emmanuel Macron announced that he would go to China “At the beginning of April”calling on Beijing to “help put pressure on Russia” in order to “stop the aggression” et “building peace”. “The fact that China is engaging in peace efforts is quite good”greeted the French president the day following China published a document calling for peace talks and a “political solution”.
Emmanuel Macron, who spoke on the sidelines of a visit to the Agricultural Show, explained that this peace was not “possible only if it goes through a halt to Russian aggression, a withdrawal of troops and respect for territorial sovereignty and the Ukrainian people”.