EU sanctions Uzbek companies for ties to Russian military

The European Union has imposed sanctions on companies from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and five other countries for allegedly supplying dual-use products to the Russian military. This move was announced on the European Council's official website.

The EU has approved its 16th sanctions package against Russia. Fifty-three companies have been added to the list of those violating trade restrictions. A third of these companies are registered in Russia, while others are located in China (including Hong Kong), India, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.

The European Union stated that these sanctioned companies had supplied components to Russia for the production of missiles and strike drones. The European Council has not yet disclosed the names of the affected companies.

In addition, restrictions have been imposed on servicing 74 vessels in Russia's shadow fleet. For the first time, the EU has prohibited operations with credit or financial institutions outside of Russia that use the Russian Central Bank's “Financial Messaging System” (SPFS). SPFS is a special messaging service developed by the Russian Central Bank to bypass the impact of sanctions.

Furthermore, eight pro-Russian media outlets targeting EU audiences have had their activities suspended. These outlets were accused of "supporting and justifying Russia's aggression against Ukraine."

Sanctions have been imposed on EADaily/Eurasia Daily, Fondsk, Lenta, NewsFront, RuBaltic, SouthFront, the Strategic Culture Foundation, and "Krasnaya Zvezda." 

Their broadcasting licenses in the EU will be revoked. However, the new measures will not prevent these media outlets and their employees from engaging in non-broadcast activities, such as conducting research or giving interviews, within the EU.

“For three years, Russia has relentlessly bombarded Ukraine, attempting to seize foreign territories. The new sanctions package targets not only Russia’s shadow fleet but also those who support dangerous oil tanker operations, video game controllers managing drones, banks circumventing sanctions, and propagandist media spreading disinformation.

There is no doubt about who the aggressor is and who should bear responsibility and the cost of this war. Each sanctions package strips the Kremlin of the funds needed to continue its aggression. As negotiations to end Russia's aggression continue, we must ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide crucial support,” explained EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas.