Brussels is preparing another package of sanctions against Moscow

The European Union is considering restrictions on the import of Russian aluminum and the gradual elimination of liquefied natural gas as part of a new package of sanctions aimed at Moscow, reports “Bloomberg” citing sources.

The draft measures, which would be part of the bloc’s 16th package of sanctions, include sanctions on dozens more ships that are part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and further controls on the export of goods that can be used for military purposes. The move would also lead to more banks scrapping international payment systems SWIFT, the sources said.

Aluminum restrictions will be phased in, with the timeframe and scope yet to be determined. The LNG exit could be done either under sanctions or as part of a road map that the bloc’s executive arm is expected to unveil next month, the sources said.

Draft proposals are still being discussed and all sanctions require a unanimous decision. This means that sanctioning LNG is unlikely since the bloc’s group of member countries still rely on Russian gas.

Russia is, in general, a key supplier of liquefied gas and aluminum to Europe. Deliveries of Russian LNG to Europe last year – despite the sanctions – rose to a record level.

Russia was the main supplier of aluminum to the European market before the start of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine. Now, due to sanctions and the gradual restructuring of global supply chains, Russia accounts for about six percent of European imports, with shipments halved from levels seen in 2022.

The plan is to adopt a new package of sanctions next month, on the three-year anniversary of the SVO.

(rt.rs)

BONUS VIDEO – DRUNK DRIVER 200 PER HOUR PER SURCIN: Interceptors stopped a jeep with Canadian plates