EU adopts new sanctions regime against repression in Russia
Published
The EU has adopted a new sanctions regime in response to increasing political repression in Russia. In light of the decision, 19 natural persons and one entity have been added to the sanctions list.
“I welcome the fact that we were able to swiftly reach an agreement yesterday by adopting the new sanctions. Following Alexei Navalny’s death, Sweden took the initiative to establish a new sanctions regime to respond to increasing political repression in Russia. This will send a strong political signal to Moscow that the country’s repression has consequences,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström.
Since Russia’s aggression began over 10 years ago, the link between its domestic repression and external aggression in Ukraine has become evident. This is noticeable through increasingly severe attacks on political opposition, independent media and Russia’s civil society.
“Alongside the new sanctions, the EU and Sweden will continue to support Russia’s civil society, human rights defenders and independent media in and outside Russia. We are closely following domestic political developments in the country,” says Mr Billström.
New sanctions regime against repression in Russia
In light of the deteriorating and serious situation in Russia, restrictive measures have been imposed against persons, entities or bodies responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights, oppression of civil society and the democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia, and against persons, entities or bodies associated with them.
In addition, export restrictions have been imposed on products that could be used for internal repression purposes and products primarily intended for monitoring or interception.
This is the first sanctions regime against Russia that is not connected to its aggression against Ukraine.
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