EU envoys agree on 15th sanctions package against Russia

Ambassadors of European Union member states reached a preliminary agreement on the 15th package of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday, December 11, for its war in Ukraine, according to the Hungarian presidency of the EU Council.

"Ambassadors have just agreed on the 15th package of sanctions in reaction to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The package adds more persons and entities to the already existing sanctions list, and targets entities in Russia and in third countries other than Russia that indirectly contribute to Russia's military and technological enhancement through the circumvention of export restrictions. The adopted sanctions constrain the activity of additional vessels of third states operating to contribute or support actions or policies supporting Russia's actions against Ukraine," the statement reads.

The EU began working on the 15th sanctions package against Russia in early November, aiming to finalize it before the Hungarian presidency ends on December 31, 2024.

The first attempt to approve the package occurred last week in early December but failed as it was blocked by two unnamed member states.