Why the EU’s 20th package of sanctions targets not only the military but also symbols of the regime
9 February 20:20
The European Union is preparing its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, covering 30 individuals and 64 companies.
The draft document, which was reviewed by the investigative project “Systema,” demonstrates a further expansion of sanctions — from the military-industrial complex to the financial sector, oil refining, and public figures, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Military sector: drones, Kalashnikov, and Rostec
A separate section of the sanctions is devoted to the military and defense infrastructure of the Russian Federation. The list includes:
- Alexei Rtishchev — head of the Russian Armed Forces’ radiation, chemical, and biological protection forces;
- Andrey Marchenko — his deputy;
- Timur Shagivaleev — director of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, where, according to the EU, the production of Shahed-type drones has been established;
- Vladimir Lepin, CEO of the Kalashnikov Concern;
- top managers of Rostec subsidiaries .
Thus, the EU is once again focusing on the production chains of weapons and drones used in the war against Ukraine.
Culture and sports: sanctions for propaganda
The new package also includes a section on “cultural and sports figures, “ reflecting the EU’s approach to combating Russian state propaganda.
Among those listed are:
- Rapper Timati (Timur Yunusov) — the EU accuses him of spreading propaganda narratives;
- Russian Deputy Minister of Culture Sergei Obryvalin;
- FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich;
- President of the Russian Wrestling Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili;
- Head of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov;
- Boxer Fedor Chudinov.
The sanctions against this group demonstrate that the EU increasingly views public figures as part of the Kremlin’s information machine.
Businessmen: money for the Russian budget
The “Businessmen” section includes individuals whom Brussels associates with the financial support of the Russian state:
- former senator and construction billionaire Andrei Molchanov;
- businessmen Ilya Shcherbovich and Vladimir Avetisyan.
According to the EU’s logic, their businesses directly or indirectly fill the Russian budget, allowing the Kremlin to finance the war.
Banks and SWIFT: a blow to the financial system
One of the toughest elements of the package is the plan to add 20 more Russian banks to the sanctions lists. Among the largest are:
- Russian Standard
- Avangard
- Pochta Bank
- Metallinvestbank
The ban on transactions will effectively mean disconnection from the SWIFT system, which will significantly complicate international settlements and access to currency.
Oil and refineries: pressure on export revenues
The sanctions list also includes the oil companies Bashneft and Slavneft, as well as a number of large Russian oil refineries.
This move is aimed at further reducing Russia’s revenues from the energy sector, one of the key sources of budget financing.
The 20th package of sanctions was presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on February 6. It is the next stage in the EU’s sanctions policy in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
It should be recalled that Ukraine had previously imposed sanctions on companies that supply components and manufacture missiles and drones for Russia, as well as on the Russian financial sector.
