Berlin (Reuters) – The ambassadors of the 27 EU countries have agreed on a fifth package of sanctions against Russia.
This was announced on Thursday evening by the French EU Council Presidency and an EU diplomat. Energy supplies from Russia are also affected for the first time. The decision provides for a ban on Russian coal deliveries, for which a 120-day transition period is provided. This is intended to give EU countries the opportunity to find other suppliers. The package also includes the closure of EU ports to Russian ships. In addition, the export of other high-tech products to Russia is restricted. “This very extensive package extends the sanctions against Russia to new areas,” tweeted the French EU Council Presidency.
The EU Commission had previously proposed a list of punitive measures after many dead civilians were found in the Ukrainian town after the Russian troops withdrew. Ukraine and Chancellor Olaf Scholz hold Russia responsible and spoke of war crimes. The government in Moscow denied responsibility.