The EU Council has approved the 16th sanctions package against Russia, targeting its shadow fleet, finances, trade, and defense sectors.

On the third anniversary of the start of the full-scale invasion, the EU Council approved a 16th package of sanctions against Russia. This information is available on the EU Council's website.

The package targets vital sectors of the Russian economy. The list includes 48 individuals and 35 organizations responsible for actions that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.

Restrictions have been imposed on the supply of software, equipment, and technologies for oil and gas extraction to Russia.

The new restrictions pertain to Russia's shadow fleet, its oil tankers, banks, propagandists, and companies in the sectors of technology, defense, finance, and trade.

The EU has disconnected 13 Russian banks from the SWIFT payment system in this new sanctions package and has also banned the broadcasting of 8 Russian media outlets in Europe.

Additionally, the Council has established two new criteria that allow the EU to impose restrictive measures on individuals and legal entities owning or operating vessels of Putin's shadow fleet, as well as those who support or benefit from the Russian military-industrial complex.

Sanctions are also being imposed against Belarus. They reflect trade-related sanctions agreed upon against Russia.