EU Slaps 14th Round of Sanctions on Russia, Targeting Key Exports

The European Union has unleashed its 14th package of sanctions against Russia, dealing a significant blow to the country's war efforts by banning the export of manganese ore and aluminum oxide. The move, spearheaded by Latvia, aims to curtail Russia's capabilities in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Why this matters: The EU's sanctions on Russia have far-reaching implications for global security and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as they attempt to curb Russia's military capabilities and influence. The effectiveness of these sanctions will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future international responses to aggression.

The sanctions come amidst heightened tensions between Russia and European nations, particularly Germany, over alleged Russian cyberattacks and continued aggression in Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock strongly condemned a recent attack on Germany's governing Social Democrats party by Russian state hackers, calling it "absolutely intolerable and unacceptable" and warning of consequences.

The cyberattack, attributed to the notorious Russian military intelligence unit APT28, also known as Sofacy, targeted defense and aerospace companies and other entities connected to Russia's war in Ukraine. The hackers exploited a previously unknown vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook, which was first discovered in 2023.

In a coordinated response to the malicious cyber campaign, the EU and NATO have pledged to take joint action to address the full range of cyber threats. The EU pointed out that it had previously sanctioned individuals and entities linked to APT28 for targeting the German parliament in 2015.

The EU is set to announce the latest sanctions package just before the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24. The bloc has identified 21 entities, including four firms from China, one from Kazakhstan, and one from Serbia, among others, for their involvement in supporting Russia's war effort.

As calls grow for the EU to take action against third-country companies aiding Russia, the bloc has proceeded cautiously. However, with Russian imports of dual-use goods through firms based in Central Asia and China surging since the war began, the EU is now ready to expand its sanctions net.

On the 800th day of the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stressed the importance of continued support from allies, stating,"Today, all Ukrainians, Ukraine's allies too, must do everything possible to thwart Russia's plans."

EU sanctions regime against Russia is being strengthened, but the effectiveness of these measures in deterring Russian aggression remains uncertain. While the sanctions have undoubtedly impacted Russia's economy, critics argue that more comprehensive actions are needed to address the underlying causes of the conflict and achieve a durableresolution.

Key Takeaways

• EU imposes 14th package of sanctions on Russia, banning manganese ore and aluminum oxide exports.
• Sanctions aim to curb Russia's military capabilities and influence in Ukraine conflict.
• Germany condemns Russian cyberattack on its governing party, warning of consequences.
• EU and NATO pledge joint action against Russian cyber threats, including APT28 attacks.
• EU sanctions target 21 entities, including firms from China, Kazakhstan, and Serbia, for supporting Russia's war effort.