SAEDNEWS: The EU is moving to crack down on India and China, accusing them of helping Moscow bypass sanctions—a step that could spark fresh global trade tensions.
Member states of the European Union are now set to debate a sweeping new sanctions package that must win unanimous approval before adoption, RT reported.
The 19th package, unveiled Friday, goes far beyond previous measures. It targets foreign energy companies—including in China—accused of buying Russian oil in breach of sanctions, while also moving to ban Russian LNG imports into EU markets.
The proposal blacklists 118 vessels from Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and imposes a full embargo on major Russian energy traders Rosneft and Gazpromneft. Brussels also aims to shut down “financial loopholes” by extending restrictions to more Russian banks, third-country lenders, and even cryptocurrency platforms—a first for EU sanctions.
At the same time, the EU is exploring ways to use immobilized Russian assets to finance loans for Ukraine, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressing that “the assets themselves will not be touched.”
The sanctions come as Russia strengthens oil exports to China and India, defying Western pressure. President Vladimir Putin has warned against a Western “colonial tone” toward Beijing and New Delhi.
Von der Leyen said the measures respond to Moscow’s missile strikes on Kyiv and alleged drone incursions into Poland and Romania—claims the Kremlin dismissed as “unfounded.”
“We’re increasing the pressure. With our 19th package of sanctions covering energy, financial services, and trade restrictions,” von der Leyen stated.
